homeopathy, homoeopathy

homeopathy, homoeopathy

A system of medical practice based on two questionable, not to say absurd, premises-that diseases can be cured by giving substances that cause the same symptoms and that the more thoroughly these substances are diluted, the more powerful is their effect. The method is claimed to work even if successive dilution has eliminated the last molecule of the original substance. Compare ALLOPATHY. See also ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE.