Volume 80, Number 4, October 1991 249

on the whole', despite the low number of patients and relatively short observation period. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homoeopathy

1991;1:124-128

Stratified alternation, an alternative to stratified randomization? J. HORNUNG The question of how Gibson allocated patients to treatment groups in the 1980 studies is pur- sued in a further short paper. The merit of strat- ified alternation as an alternative to stratified randomization is outlined; this could be of interest to researchers when designing control- led clinical trials. The Berlin Journal on Research in Homoeopathy

1991;1:129-131

New provings HARISH CHAND In an introduction to this issue of the CCRH Quarterly Bulletin, the author surveys the history of people testing medicinal substances on themselves. There follow 16 pages of the pro- vings of six potential medicines, all botanical. They are Aegle marmalos, Aranea scinencia, Atista indica, Cassia fistula, Thea aranea, and Thea chinensis. (Unfortunately there is no explanation of why these were selected for pro- ving, but probably they are used in Ayurvedic medicine.)

All the provings were done in various places in India. The names of all the volunteers are recorded, as well as the names of the proving staff and the consultants who assessed the reports.

CCRH Quarterly Bulletin (New Delhi) 12.1 and 2.2-17

Clinical value of recently proved medicines HARI SINGH Research Officer of the CCRH, has published a report of the efficacy of 58 medicines, mostly used in Ayurvedic medicine, organized by the CCRH. The report on each, mostly from over a hundred patients taking it, lists the clinical fea- tures and the number of patients who benefited. Wisely; there are no claims of cures, though no doubt there were many. This is an admirable way of confirming the experiences of many doctors and their patients.

CCRH Quarterly Bulletin (New Delhi) 12.3 and 4.10-19

Nux vomica for problem children J. SHORE The value of Nux vomica for children with

psychological troubles is considered with refer- ence to jealously, obstinacy, sensitivity and shrieking as well as fear of the dark associated with thoughts of ghosts.

The author quotes four cases from his own experience in full detail, with quite long com- ments on the progress of the children, whose ages were 7, 8, 3 and 1�89 years.

Journal o f the American Institute o f Homoeopathy 83:126-32

The paranoid personality J. ALLAN A list of 28 rubrics in Kent's Repertory which can be useful is given--all the way from 'abusive' to 'violent, vehement'. There are three major medicines for this type of patient: Lycopodium, Arsenicum album and Aurum met. Dr Allan does not, of course, claim to cure paranoia but he makes it clear that the psychological features can be helpful in selecting for the complaints presented by these awkward patients. The Australian Journal o f Homoeopathy 3:16.29

Essential features TOMAS PASCHERO Some essential features of 18 hom0eopathic medicines are given, with the advice not to pre- scribe them unless the patient has these essential features. This list could be a basis for useful debate concerning these and other medicines.

The Wholistic Practitioner (South Africa) 8:27

Homoeopathy and placebo response---a redundant hypothesis? DAVID TAYLOR REILLY The extent and the implications of the placebo response are discussed, ending with a six-point summary which should be read in full. It is fol- lowed by a paper by Dr Edward Chapman on 'The Variety of Placebo Response', with special reference to the time of response and the recur- rence of symptoms. He presents charts which show days horizontally and the intensity of the symptoms vertically. Perhaps it would be more helpful if the symptom scores were explained by an indication of the degree of disability caused by the symptoms, and also the days of menstru- ation if appropriate.

Journal o f the American Institute o f Homveopathy; 83:3,77-85

A view from Great Britain TOM HUGGON Mr Huggon is a lawyer specializing in EEC legis-