similia similibus curentur

English translation: let like cured by the like

19:45 Sep 26, 2000
Latin to English translations [PRO]
Medical
Latin term or phrase: similia similibus curentur
the alternative medicine Homeopathy is based on the principle that "live cures like" and I wanted to know the literal translation if this isn't it.
Thanks
melissa farrell
English translation:let like cured by the like
Explanation:
The original motto was °similia similibus curantur°.

In 1883 the president of the AIH declared that the high potencies were not naturally universal law but comparable with other scientific laws and their transitory nature and in 1899 the principle of similars was diluted also by changing the indicative to a subjunctive in the motto. Similia similibus curantur became curentur (86). The weakening of the principle, in the English translation, is even clearer: 'like is cured by like' becomes 'let like be cured by like' whereby it is diminished from a supposed 'law of nature' to a 'method of treating disease'. In a climate of relatively reserved acceptance of the new bacteriology, where Hahnemann was stylised as one of its forerunners, interest was dwindling largely through a spirit of indifference towards a scientifically based identity as a homeopathic physician. (88). Doctors also no longer specifically recommended homeopathic medical colleges.' [pp.184-5]

Selected response from:

Laura Gentili
Italy
Local time: 11:04
Grading comment
Thanks for getting back to me so swiftly. This answer was more than helpful and gave me even more insight into the field of Homeopathy. I had no idea that the saying had been changed. I'm including that in my presentation! Thanks again! --Melissa
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
nalike cures like
Márcio Badra
nalet like cured by the like
Laura Gentili


  

Answers


48 mins
like cures like


Explanation:
Like cures like is a literal translation. Similar cures similar would be an alternative.

Márcio

Márcio Badra
Brazil
Local time: 07:04
Native speaker of: Native in PortuguesePortuguese
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3 hrs
let like cured by the like


Explanation:
The original motto was °similia similibus curantur°.

In 1883 the president of the AIH declared that the high potencies were not naturally universal law but comparable with other scientific laws and their transitory nature and in 1899 the principle of similars was diluted also by changing the indicative to a subjunctive in the motto. Similia similibus curantur became curentur (86). The weakening of the principle, in the English translation, is even clearer: 'like is cured by like' becomes 'let like be cured by like' whereby it is diminished from a supposed 'law of nature' to a 'method of treating disease'. In a climate of relatively reserved acceptance of the new bacteriology, where Hahnemann was stylised as one of its forerunners, interest was dwindling largely through a spirit of indifference towards a scientifically based identity as a homeopathic physician. (88). Doctors also no longer specifically recommended homeopathic medical colleges.' [pp.184-5]



Laura Gentili
Italy
Local time: 11:04
Native speaker of: Native in ItalianItalian
PRO pts in pair: 95
Grading comment
Thanks for getting back to me so swiftly. This answer was more than helpful and gave me even more insight into the field of Homeopathy. I had no idea that the saying had been changed. I'm including that in my presentation! Thanks again! --Melissa
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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