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A type of homeopathy that uses medicines made by diluting and succussing the suspected causes of disease, such as a virus, toxin, or pollutant. It is common in isopathy to administer nosodes. Johann Joseph Wilhelm Lux (1773-1849), a veterinarian, is credited with creating isopathy in 1833.

Isopathy is not a type of vaccine treatment. Isopathic medicines are not administered to evoke an immune response. A vaccine against a flu virus may contain only non-living viruses, which are introduced to stimulate the immune system to create antibodies against the virus. An isopathic medicine contains a miniscule amount of a live virus in the belief that like cures like (law of similars) and that succussing the potion releases vital spirits and makes it more potent (the law of infinitesimals). Vaccine theory rejects the notion that there is any such thing as "vital spirits," a law of similars, or a law of infinitesimals.

John Goodwin, an isopathic homeopath in New Zealand, claims that the Theratest machine he uses can detect any toxins in the body. He uses it to determine what he calls "the toxic pecking order." He then develops homeopathic remedies from the toxins and promises to completely detoxify anyone who comes to him for treatment.* Goodwin describes the theratest machine as "a highly sophisticated bio-electrical machine that functions by measuring minute electrical impulses that travel throughout the body meridians via the acupuncture points found on the skin surface."* In another place, Goodwin claims that with his theratest machine: "I can measure the energy fields particular to poisons, bacteria, viruses, etc. In this way I can determine what, if anything, is the causative agent in any given body or animal."* This is interesting since no scientific instrument has ever detected a single meridian, yet Goodwin uses a machine that he somehow knows sends electrical impulses (which can be measured) into these undetectable channels and end points and can measure subtle energies that no other scientific instrument can detect. Amazing. (Note: whatever device Goodwin is using, it should not be confused with the TheraTest invented at TheraTest Laboratories, Inc.™, founded in 1988 by a group of clinical rheumatologists and laboratory investigators from the University of Illinois at Chicago. This device is used for autoantibody testing and allows clinicians to effectively track the changes in autoantibody profiles for improved disease management.)

See also anthroposophic medicine, complex homeopathy, detoxification therapies, homeopathy, natural cancer cures, nosode, sarcode, theratest machine, and sympathetic magic.

further reading

books and articles
































websites and blogs

Homeopathy; what's the harm? By Simon Singh



The Montagnier “Homeopathy” Study by Harriet Hall


What's the Harm? homeopathy


Homeopathy - the ultimate fake by Stephen Barrett, M.D.

Alternative Medicine and the Laws of Physics by Robert L. Park

The End of Homeopathy? by Ben Goldacre



Homeopathy - a position statement by the National Council Against Health Fraud

BBC Horizon program: Homeopathy put to the test

James Randi's take on the response to the Horizon program



What's up with homeopathy? - Cecil Adams, The Straight Dope

The End of Homeopathy? by Leon Jaroff

Are the principles of Homeopathy scientifically valid?

Classical Homeopathy by Douglas Hoff

Homeopathic Glossary by Stephen Barrett, M.D.


Bad Science: Lionel Milgrom - Quality Homeopathic Debate

Sense About Science on Homeopathy


Homeopathic proving methods

Homoeopathy by Andrew Vickers and Catherine Zollman

Jacques Benveniste's corner

Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann

The National Center for Homeopathy


news stories




Does Homeopathy Work? by Nathan Williams


Homeopaths 'endangering lives' by offering malaria remedies

Homoeopathy: voodoo on the NHS



Three-month ban for homeopathy GP


Richard Dawkins interviews Prof. Michael Baum on YouTube

Last updated 14-Mar-2015
