[Homeopathy and isopathy, science or faith?]

The present paper is the result of a study of the literature investigating the effectiveness of potentiated agents. The object is to supply an answer to the question of the extent to which homeopathy and isopathy have a scientific basis. The most universally accepted requirements which scientific research has to comply with having been enumerated and explained, a number of experimental studies in the fields of homeopathy and isopathy are put to the test of these requirements. An important consideration is the extent to which a scientific approach to these methods of treatment is possible. In addition, the question is asked what can be the background of the increasing popularity of this method of treatment. The conclusion emerges that the literature available does not make it possible to pass a verdict on the question whether homeopathy and isopathy are scientifically justified or not. With the possible exception of one experiment, none of the studies are up to the standards set in every respect.