This is the first multidisciplinary work to address in a serious and strictly scientific way the how's and why's underlying the actions of ultra high dilutions (UHD). The contributions, all of them written by leading scientists in the fields of physics, physiology and biophysics, present an overview of UHD research which, to some extent, has been stimulated by the recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of homoeopathy. The book is divided into four parts. Part 1 presents relevant data from physiological laboratories, serving as an introduction to what follows. Part 2 evaluates and discusses the most promising physical theories. Part 3 deals with biophysical aspects and Part 4 appraises the medical and historical context.The book concludes with a discussion of future research prospects. Current research activity, as the book convincingly emphasises, is generating genuinely new scientific concepts which are likely to have consequences far beyond biology and medicine. "Ultra High Dilution" is a fertile source of references and concepts and should command wide attention, and stimulate yet more interest. This book is suitable for physicists, biologists, and medical scientists interested in the science of ultra high dilution and in its efficacy in homoeopathy.

Table of Contents

Prefatory Word; P. Fisher. Preface. Introduction. Part 1: Physiology. Hormesis: Dose Dependent Reverse Effects of Low and Very Low Doses; M. Oberbaum, J. Cambar. Reappraisal of a Classical Botanical Experiment in UHD Research; Energetic Coupling in a Wheat Model; W. Pongratz, P.C. Endler. Immunological Examples on UHD Research; M. Bastide. Further Biological Effects Induced by UHDs; Inhibition by a Magnetic Field; J. Benveniste. A Zoological Example on UHD Research; Energetic Coupling between the Dilution and the Organism in a Model of Amphibia; P.C. Endler, W. Pongratz, R. van Wijk, F.A. Wiegand, K. Waltl, M. Gehrer, H. Hilgers. Scientific Proving of an UHD on Humans; H. Walach. Physiological Effects of Homoeopathic Medicines in Closed Phials; a Critical Evaluation; R. van Wijk, F.A. Wiegant. Part 2: Physics. Outline of Experimental Physical Methods to Investigate Specific Structures of UHDs; J. Schulte, P.C. Endler. Conservation of Structure in Aqueous UHDs; J. Schulte. Is the 'Memory of Water' a Physical Impossibility? E. Del Guidice. Small Water Clusters (Clathrates) in the Homoeopathic Preparation Process; G.S. Anagnostatos. Mass, Fluid and Wave Motion during the Preparation of UHDs; D. Auerbach. UHD Effect and Isotopic Self-Organization; A.A. Berezin. About Quality and Standards in UHD Research and Research on Homoeopathy; J. Schulte. Part 3: Biophysics. Some Biophysical Elements of Homoeopathy; F.A. Popp. Electromagnetic and Magnetic Vector Potential Bio-Information and Water; C.W. Smith. Resonance Phenomena of an UHD; C.W. Smith, P.C. Endler. Transfer of Information from Molecules by means of Electronic Amplification; M. Citro, C.W. Smith, A. Scott-Morley, W. Pongratz, P.C. Endler. Effects of Typical Thyroxine related Frequencies on Amphibia; K. Spoerk, W. Pongratz, P.C. Endler. Part 4: The Historical and Medical Context. Glossary; P. Andersch, P.C. Endler. Characteristics and Selected Results of Research on Homoeopathy; M. Righetti. Homoeopathy with Special Regard to Immuno-Allergological Research; B. Poitevin. Clinical Studies of Homoeopathy; the Problem of a Useful Design; M. Haidvogl. Prospects. Preliminary Elements of a Theory on UHD; J. Schulte, P.C. Endler. Epilogue. Alternative Research or Research on Alternatives? F. Moser, M. Naradoslawsky, J. Schulte. Summary. Index.

Reviews

' ... a most welcome tome and makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the way homeopathic medicines work. This book adds significantly to our understanding and will therefore appeal not only to the homeopathic buff but also to the scientific community as a whole. I can strongly recommend this book which is certain to become a classic in the fields of ultra high dilution research and homeopathy in general. ' HomInt R&D Newsletter, 1/94