WO1999026065A1

WO1999026065A1 - Methods and apparatus for determining beta radiation spectra

Info

Publication number: WO1999026065A1
Application number: PCT/GB1998/003444
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rolland René CONTE; Yves Lasne
Original assignee: Medicine Quantale Limited; Eyles, Christopher, Thomas
Priority date: 1997-11-18
Filing date: 1998-11-16
Publication date: 1999-05-27
Also published as: GB9823314D0; AU1166099A; BR9814216A; JP2001523821A; CA2310447A1; EP1032832A1

Abstract

β- radiation emitted either by a reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy, or by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy or healthy body, or by a mixture of a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy and fluid extracted from an unhealthy body, is measured using a counting means to obtain a spectrum. The counting means is in a predetermined orientation relative to the compound or fluid being measured. The resulting spectra are compared to assess ill-health and to select a homeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition for treating ill-health.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING BETA RADIAΗON SPECTRA

This invention relates to methods for obtaining measurements, for building a databank of spectra, for identifying characteristics of a spectra, for assessing the health of a human or animal body, for selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition and for diagnosing an ailment affecting an unhealthy human or animal body. It also discloses apparatus for diagnosing an ailment affecting an unhealthy body, for assessing the extent of ill- health of a body and for selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition.

Homoeopathic medicine is a system of healing which has been in existence since 1796. The word homeopathy comes from the Greek language and may be translated as "similar suffering" . In other words an agent which can cause disease in a healthy person can be used to therapeutic advantage in a person who is sick and whose symptoms resemble those caused by the agent . Normally the agent is administered to a patient in a minute amount and in very high dilution, in contrast to the practice in allopathic medicine in which the therapeutic agent is normally administered to a patient in a much higher amount and at a much higher concentration.

The agent can be administered in the form of a solution, as an ointment or paste, as tablets, or in the form of pellets or globules of a carrier, such as lactose, which has been impregnated with a dilute solution of the agent. Alternatively it is possible to triturate the agent with a solid carrier. Two principal methods are used for dilution of a substance so as to lower its concentration in a given product, whether liquid or solid. In the first method, which was developed by the German physician and experimental pharmacologist Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), multiple flasks are used. The second method is one developed by Hahnemann ' s contemporary, Simeon N. Korsakoff and involves use of a single flask. The Hahnemannian process consists in effecting dilutions in separate flasks or bottles. To make a one hundred fold dilution, 1% by volume of a starting solution (or mother tincture) of a convenient concentration, for example about 1 g per litre, is placed in a flask and mixed with 99% by volume of diluent. The resulting diluted mixture has a

Hahnemannian Concentration which, for convenience, can be designated 1 CH. To make a further dilution, 1% by volume of this 1 CH solution is again mixed with 99% by volume of diluent. The resulting diluted solution can be designated 2 CH. These operations can be carried out N times to obtain a solution of the Nth CH.

The Korsakovian process is undertaken in a single bottle or flask. In this case 99% of a starting solution (or mother tincture) is drained or aspirated from the bottle or flask and the remaining 1% by volume is diluted by pouring in 99% by volume of the diluent. After mixing the resulting solution can, for convenience, be designated the first Korsakovian centesimal (or 1 cmK) . Upon repeating the procedure with the 1 cmK solution a further diluted solution, i.e. the 2 cmK solution, is obtained. By carrying out the procedure N times the Nth cmK solution can be obtained.

Whilst dilutions of 1 in 100, i.e. centesimal dilutions, are common, another accepted method of dilution is the decimal method in which 1 part of the mother tincture is diluted to 1/10 of its original strength.'

The number of operations that are required to be carried out in order to reach a desired level of dilution can be summarised as shown in Table 1 below. The starting concentration is a convenient concentration, such as 1 g per litre . TABLE 1

In his writings Hahnemann recommended that utensils used for the preparation of a homoeopathic medicinal preparation should be sterilised in boiling water. He also recommended that, in order co have a correct succussion effect in diluting a solution, the bottle should be large enough to be only two thirds filled up. In order to develop the dynamic pharmaceutical virtues of the preparations, the bottle should be submitted to a series of strong succussions . Typically this should involve pounding the bottle filled to 75% or 50% with the solution on a thick book having a leather cover 100 times at the frequency of the heart's beat. Furthermore the prepared solutions should be stored and protected from the sun and the daylight in a well sealed bottle.

To treat an unhealthy human or animal body, a highly diluted solution of a compound having homoeopathic efficacy is administered. A great deal of trial and error is used in order to find the most effective compound and its optimum dilution for treating a specific illness. The 1997 Annual Report of Medicine Quantale Limited (dated 10 September 1997) mentions a technique which aims to identify accurately a range of chronic medical problems by collecting samples from both healthy people and patients with confirmed disorders and submitting them to the technique. It also mentions measuring variations in the beta count from humans for use as a diagnostic tool to indicate abnormal or pathological disease.

The present invention seeks to provide methods and apparatus useful in selecting a suitable homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition, in assessing the health of a human or animal body and in diagnosing ailments .

For the purpose of the present invention, the word 'comprising' does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variations or additions such as additional steps or means .

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for obtaining measurements comprising measuring β^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from a body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum; wherein the counting means is in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid. The body may be healthy or unhealthy. If the body is unhealthy, this method may be suitable for assessing the health of the body, whether it is human or animal.

By establishing spectra for bodies having diagnosed ailments, a databank of spectra may be built and characteristics in the spectra unique to a certain ailment may be identified. This method may subsequently be used to diagnose in a subject an ailment affecting a human or animal body by comparing the β- radiation spectrum emitted by a fluid sample from the subject with the databank of spectra. Thus, in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for building a databank of spectra comprising measuring β- radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from a body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid, and storing the spectrum in a databank of β^~ radiation spectra .

The body may be healthy or unhealthy. In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for identifying characteristics of spectra comprising measuring β^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body having a particular ailment using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid, and comparing the spectrum with at least one β^" radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from another unhealthy body having the same or similar ailment to identify common characteristics of the spectra.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for obtaining measurements comprising measuring β^" radiation emitted by a reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy using a counting means to obtain a spectrum; wherein the counting means is in a predetermined orientation relative to the reference sample of the compound.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for building a databank of spectra comprising measuring β- radiation emitted by a reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the reference sample of the compound, and storing the spectrum in a databank of β- radiation spectra. The inventors believe that compounds having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy have characteristic spectra, and that specific concentrations of each compound have characteristic spectra; hence the concentration of the selected compound is important . Moreover the energy range of the spectra of these compounds overlaps with the energy range of the spectra measured from samples of body fluids. Hence the inventors believe that adding a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal compound to a body fluid leads to a phase interaction resulting from interactions of fourth layer electrons (free electrons) (which are explained below) . In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for identifying characteristics of spectra comprising measuring β^" radiation emitted by a first reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the reference sample of the compound, and comparing the spectrum with at least one β^" radiation spectrum obtained from a second reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of the selected compound to identify common characteristics of the spectra. The first and second reference samples may be prepared having the same concentration to identify characteristics of the spectra of the selected compound at that concentration. Alternatively, the first and second reference samples may be prepared having different concentrations to identify characteristics of the spectra of the selected compound at a plurality of concentrations.

Knowledge of the characteristic spectra of compounds having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy may be used to monitor the quality of homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal compositions by comparing the spectrum of the composition being tested with the characteristic spectrum known for that composition.

Also, for homoeopathic medicines, comparison of the spectra of homoeopathic medicinal compositions prepared from the same starting material and having the same dilution, but prepared using a different energy of succussion, may be useful for optimising the succussion energy imparted.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for identifying characteristics of spectra comprising measuring β- radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from a healthy body having a particular basal metabolism using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid, and comparing the spectrum with at least one β^" radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from another healthy body having the same or similar basal metabolism to identify common characteristics of the spectra. In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for obtaining measurements useful in selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition, the method comprising the following steps: a) measuring β^" radiation emitted by a reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the reference sample of the compound; and b) measuring β radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid.

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for obtaining measurements useful m selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition, the method comprising the following steps: a) adding a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy to a sample of a fluid extracted from an unhealthy body; and b) measuring β radiation emitted by the resulting mixture using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the mixture .

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for obtaining measurements useful m monitoring the effectiveness of a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition, the method comprising measuring β" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from a body treated with a homeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid

The measuring step may be repeated at predetermined times after treating the body with a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition

In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assessing the health of a human or animal body comprising tne following steps : a) measuring β^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid; and b) comparing the spectrum of step (a) with at least one β- radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from a healthy body. In accordance with an twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition comprising the following steps : a) measuring β^~ radiation emitted by a reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the reference sample of the compound; b) measuring β^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid; c) comparing the spectrum of the reference sample of the compound with the spectrum of the sample of body fluid; and d) establishing the spectrum which would result if the body fluid and the compound at its predetermined concentration were admixed.

By overlapping the spectra and deriving the spectrum which would result if the compound and the body fluid were admixed, this method may enable the selection of a suitable compound at a suitable concentration to treat an unhealthy body. These overlapping and deriving steps may be performed by a computer.

By establishing the spectra for many homoeopathic medicinal compounds at many dilution levels and at many succussion levels and/or for many allopathic medicinal compounds at many concentrations and for the body fluids of numerous diseased bodies, spectra interaction may be established by computer and verified by test tube assay before administration of the selected medicinal compound to the body. Preferably, the method of the twelfth aspect of the present invention further comprises comparing the spectrum of step (d) with at least one β^" radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from a healthy body.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition comprising the following steps: a) adding a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy to a sample of a fluid extracted from an unhealthy body; and b) measuring β" radiation emitted by the resulting mixture using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the mixture . The spectrum may be analysed to select a suitable compound at a suitable concentration to treat an unhealthy body in order to restore its spectrum to that of a healthy person having the same or similar basal metabolism.

Preferably the method of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention further comprises comparing the spectrum of step (b) with at least one β^" radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from a healthy body.

The methods of the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth aspects of the present invention may comprise measuring β- radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from a healthy body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid.

In these methods, the spectrum of the healthy body may be selected from a database of spectra of healthy bodies.

The comparison of a spectrum from an unhealthy body with at least one spectrum from a healthy body may assist in the selection of a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition for treating the unhealthy body. The spectra may be compared to assess how the spectrum of the unhealthy body could look more similar to the spectrum of the healthy body, particularly in terms of pre-identified characteristics of spectra of healthy bodies having the same or a similar basal metabolism as that of the unhealthy body. At least one medicinal composition may be selected, suitable for restoring the health of the unhealthy body, by comparing the respective spectra of the unhealthy body, the healthy body and the medicinal composition.

In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for diagnosing an ailment affecting an unhealthy body comprising the following steps : a) measuring β^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid; and ■ b) comparing the spectrum of step (a) with at least one β^" radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from another unhealthy body having a diagnosed ailment.

The present inventors believe that a particular ailment results in a characteristic spectra for a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body having that ailment. Hence, comparing the spectra in step (b) may identify the ailment affecting the unhealthy body of- step (a) . Preferably, the unhealthy body of step (a) has the same or a similar basal metabolism as the unhealthy body of step (b) .

In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for diagnosing an ailment affecting an unhealthy body, the apparatus comprising : a) counting means for measuring β^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid; and b) means for comparing the spectrum with β^" radiation spectra in a databank, the spectra being obtained from samples of fluid extracted from other unhealthy bodies having diagnosed ailments . In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for assessing the extent of ill-health of a body, the apparatus comprising: a) counting means for measuring β^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid, and b) means for comparing the spectrum of the unhealthy body with β^" radiation spectra in a databank, the spectra being obtained from samples of fluid extracted from healthy bodies . In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition, the apparatus comprising: a) counting means for measuring β- radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid; b) means for comparing the spectrum of the sample of body fluid with β- radiation spectra in a databank, the spectra being obtained from reference samples each containing a predetermined concentration of a compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy; c) means for establishing a spectrum which would result if the body fluid and a compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy were admixed; and d) means for comparing the spectrum of a proposed admixture of the body fluid and a compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy with β^" radiation spectra in a databank, the spectra being obtained from samples of fluid extracted from healthy bodies .

The apparatus may comprise a computer.

In the present invention, when the spectra of healthy and unhealthy bodies are compared, the unhealthy body and the healthy body preferably have the same or a similar basal metabolism.

A metabolism is defined as all the chemical processes occurring within a living organism that result in energy production and growth. The metabolism of a human or animal body is dictated in part by its weight and height. Hence different bodies have different metabolisms. Three key basal metabolisms have been identified for each gender: for the purposes of homeopathy these have been termed 'carbonic', 'fluoric' and 'phosphoric' . The metabolism of a human body may be identified by taking the following parameters into account: age, weight, height, wrist circumference and hip diameter (bi-iliac for women and bi-acromial for men) . The present inventors believe that the effectiveness of a homoeopathic treatment is dependent, at least m part, on the basal metabolism of the body being treated since each key basal metabolism has a characteristic β radiation spectrum, depending on the health of the body m question For example, the β- count for 200μl of urine varies from 21,000 for a 'phosphoric' basal metabolism to 50,000 for a 'carbonic' basal metabolism. Consequently a body having a 'phosphoric' basal metabolism tends to have less stamina. The identification of the body' s basal metabolism is therefore believed to be important.

The comparison of the spectrum of the healthy body with the spectrum of the unhealthy body may illustrate the extent and/or cause of ill health of the unhealthy body since the inventors believe that healthy bodies of a certain basal metabolism have characteristic spectra.

In the comparison step, differences and similarities m the spectra are assessed.

The comparision step may be performed electronically, for example by a computer. A counter for measuring β- radiation may be connected to the computer.

An unhealthy body is a body which is not m good health; for example, it has a pathological disease such as cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, schizophrenia or multiple sclerosis.

A healthy body is a body which is m good health and thus does not suffer from a pathological disease

The body fluid may be blood serum, saliva or urine. Hence, any assessment of health and diagnosis of an ailment may be achieved by simply collecting a sample of body fluid, thus avoiding invasive techniques such as surgery It also avoids the need to subject patients to techniques such as magnetic resonance, ultrasound or X-ray imaging The orientation of the counting means is important because the universe is not symmetrical and gravitational forces change over time: it is suggested that β- radiation emission activity varies in accordance with changes in gravitational force. The counting means may be a standard β counter. In one example, β- radiation is measured using liquid scintillation counters, such as the LS 2770 instrument from Packard Instrument Company.

If spectra from samples are to be compared, they should be obtained using counting means having the same or similar orientation relative to the sample.

The counter is preferably orientated in a North-South direction.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the counting means is preferably located southwards of the sample. For example, it is located South-South-West, or 25° off South, of the sample. In the Southern Hemisphere, the counting means is preferably located Northwards of the sample. For example it is located North-North-East, or 25° off North, of the sample. The sample of body fluid or the reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy does not contain a conventional radio pharmaceutical agent : it does not contain a radioactive element as an additive. A predetermined concentration of a compound having homoeopathic efficiency generally means a solution diluted according to the Hahnemannian or Korsakovian process, for example .

Using the methods of the present invention, databases can be established of spectra of different diseases and spectra of different homoeopathic/allopathic medicinal compositions and of spectra of healthy bodies having different basal metabolisms.

A sample of a patient's body fluid can be collected at a hospital or surgery and have its spectrum established and compared, via a computer network system, with the spectra on the databases to diagnose a disease, to assess the extent of ill-health and/or to prescribe a suitable medicinal composition.

The measuring and comparing steps of the different aspects of the present invention may be conducted by an apparatus for diagnosing an ailment affecting an unhealthy body, for assessing the health of a human or animal body and/or for selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition for treating an unhealthy human or animal body. This apparatus preferably comprises a counter for measuring β-radiation and a computer.

The apparatus may diagnose the disease, assess the extent of ill-health and/or prescribe a suitable medicinal composition. It may take into account factors such as the basal metabolism of a body and the disease being treated. It may also take into account factors such as the hour and day of the year in question and its location since these factors affect the gravitational force on the body. The apparatus preferably comprises software for taking these various factors into account and for comparing spectra; the software may be associated with a beta radiation counter.

The compound having homoeopathic efficacy may be a diluted solution which is prepared by providing an initial solution containing a predetermined starting concentration of the compound and diluting the initial solution using at least one dilution step by addition of a diluent so as to produce, following the or each dilution step, the diluted solution having a higher dilution than that of the solution being diluted. The dilution step preferably comprises succussion of the diluted solution during or after each dilution stage

Alternatively the compound having homoeopathic efficacy may be a solid carrier dosed with a predetermined amount of the diluted solution mentioned above A typical solid carrier comprises a carbohydrate, such as a saccharose, for example lactose, sucrose, threalose, threose or the like

The compound having homoeopathic efficacy may be any agent conventionally used m homoeopathic medicine.

The compound having allopathic efficacy may be any compound conventionally used m allopathic medicine

For all the methods of the present invention, the emitted β radiation is preferably measured m and around the tritium energy range

Preferably, the dilution step, any succussion step, and any dosing step are carried out within an environment shielded from β radiation, including emitted β radiation m and around the tritium energy range.

Preferably, the measurement of β- radiation emitted by a sample or mixture is carried out within an environment snielded from β-radiation emitted by other sources, thus preventing corruption of the results.

In the method of the invention, m the or each dilution step, the diluent generally comprises a solvent, such as water, ethyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof The diluent preferably comprises water m all dilution steps except the last one, however, m the last dilution step to produce the diluted solution for use m any dosing step the diluent preferably comprises ethyl alcohol

Shielding is effected so as to shield from β radiation, including emitted β radiation m and around the tritium energy range In other words the shielding should be effective to prevent penetration of β particles In order to provide the necessary smeldmg during the ablution step, any succussion step and any dosing step, these operations can be carried out inside a Faraday cage. Normally such smelding will also be effective to prevent penetration by particles, it is, nowever, impractical to attempt to provide shielding against γ rays The shielding step is preferably carried out so as to shield from β radiation having energy m the range of from about 0.1 keV to about 60 keV.

The succussion step can be imparted manually; m this case the succussion should preferably be carried out using a gloved hand so as not to supply heat to the flask or other container during succussion. Alternatively the flask or other container can be succussed mechanically, preferably monitoring the energy imparted to the solution using, for example, a computer-controlled succussion machine. It is desirable to avoid stirring the solution during succussion m such a way as to produce a vortex. A suitable succussion regimen involves shaking the flask or other container mechanically at a frequency m the range of from about 0.1 Hz to about 60 Hz with an amplitude of about 50 mm for a period of about 10 seconds. Whilst succussion is desirable, t should not be so vigorous as to impart energy to the solution of more than about 85000 kJ/mole .

In the dilution step the conventional dilution methods of Hahnemann or of Korsakoff can be used m which the initial solution, which is of any convenient strength, is diluted by a factor of one hundred or ten at each dilution stage.

A molar solution of a substance contains, according to accepted molecular theory, 6.023 x 10²³ molecules (i.e. Avogadro ' s number of molecules) of that substance per litre Hence conventional scientific wisdom would suggest that, even if one were to commence with an initial solution of molar strength, a 10⁶⁰ molar solution (or a 30 CH solution) of a substance contains statistically less than 1 molecule per litre of that substance. Nonetheless there is evidence to suggest that a beneficial homoeopathic effect can Pe observed m a patient, m a suitable case, who has been treated witn a 30 CH solution of a given homoeopathic agent. The inventors postulate that, m contrast to the usually accepted theory which suggests that mass is uniformly distributed m the space-time continuum, m fact mass is non- uniformly spread m the space-time continuum and so non- existmg m the cone of the future of a point. Within this theoretical framework it can be calculated mathematically and verified experimentally by use of so-called contonian statistics that, m the cone of the future where a particle disappears, a non-trivial physical field appears; this can be termed the remanent wave. A remanent wave is always created when a particle disappears and leaves what can be termed a "white hole". It is further postulated that, at any Hahnemannian dilution, remanent waves and so-called hyperprotons are created which take over and reorganise the structure of the diluent. The remanent waves induce β radiation having a wave length of from about 0.021 to about 12.0 nanometres in and around the tritium energy range of approximately 0.1 to 60 keV. The β radiation results from electrons being displaced to the fourth electron layer of an atom; this fourth layer is located further from the nucleus than the first, second and third electron layers commonly termed k, 1 and m respectively. The β radiation therefore has a wavelength intermediate that of x-rays (resulting from internal electrons m the k, 1 and m layers) and ultraviolet light (resulting from valency electrons which are located further from the nucleus than the fourth layer) .

Further details of this theory of high dilution may be found in the book Theory of High Dilu tions and experimental aspects by R R Conte, H Berliocchi, Y Lasne and G Vernot , POLYTECHNICA 1996, ISBN 2-84054-046-0.

Further information regarding the mathematical calculations involved in contonian statistics may be found in interpreta tion physico-mathema tique de 1 ' effe t pharmacologique des hautes dilutions : onde remanente apparences contoniennes (conton) by H. Berliocchi & R. R. Conte, Cahiers de Biotherapie, No. 126, pages 73 to 80 (1994) . Examples of the methods of the present invention will now be described to illustrate but not to limit the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures in which :

Figure la is a spectrum of 0.1 to 200 keV (x axis) against CPM (Counts Per Minute) (y axis) for blood serum extracted from a human male in good health;

Figure lb is a spectrum of 0.1 to 200 keV (x axis) against CPM (y axis) for blood serum extracted from a human male in poor health; Figure 2a is a spectrum of 0.1 to 200 keV (x axis) against CPM (y axis) for a 9K centesimal dilution of Histaminum;

Figure 2b is a spectrum of 0.1 to 200 keV (x axis) against CPM (y axis) for a 15K centesimal dilution of Histaminum;

Figure 3a is a spectrum of 0.1 to 200 keV (x axis) against CPM (y axis) for a 9K centesimal dilution of Iresine Cellosia;

Figure 3b is a spectrum of 0.1 to 200 keV (x axis) against CPM (y axis) for a 15K centesimal dilution of Iresine Cellosia;

Figure 4a is the spectrum of figure lb (a human male in poor health) ; Figure 4b is a spectrum of 0.1 to 200 keV (x axis) against CPM (y axis) for a mixture of the 9K centesimal dilution of Iresine Cellosia and the blood serum extracted from a human male in poor health; Figure 4c is a spectrum of 0.1 to 200 keV (x axis) against CPM (y axis) for a mixture of the 15K centesimal dilution of Iresine Cellosia and the blood serum extracted from a human male in poor health; and

Figures 5a to 5g are a series of spectra of 0.1 to 200 keV (x axis) against CPM (y axis) for urine samples taken from seven healthy human bodies.

Example 1

The β^" radiation emitted from various organs of a young adult female Sprague Dawley rat was measured with a Tri-Carb

2300 TR counter available from Packard Instrument Company using a single Photo Multiplicator . The organs were collected on 26 June 1997 around noon in Lyon, France and the measurements were made on 8 August 1997 on the same site: the counter was situated Southwards of the organ being analysed. The net beta count (CPM) per gram for the liquid part and the solid part of each organ are listed below.

Liver (liquid part) 25694

Liver (solid part) 32991 Lung (liquid part) 142770

Lung (solid part) 107823

Spleen (liquid part) 142241

Spleen (solid part) 134592

Kidney (liquid part) 146593 Kidney (solid part) 105753

Myocardium (liquid part) 79264

Myocardium (solid part) 63403

Thymus (liquid part) 31028 Gonad (liquid part) 29062

Gonad (solid part) 110371

Pineal (liquid part) 11411997

Pineal (solid part) 1628571 Medullo Suprarenal (liquid part) 95490 Medullo Suprarenal (solid part) 80059 Thyroid (liquid part) 195147

Thyroid (solid part) 33798

These results show that different organs from the same rat emit different amounts of β^" radiation. The highest count per gram measured was obtained from the pineal whereas the lowest count per gram measured was obtained from the thymus .

Example 2 Using the results of Example 1 the net beta count (CPM) of the liquid part and the solid part of the whole organ was calculated, based on the total weight of the organ. The results are listed below.

Liver (liquid part) 361024 Liver (solid part) 463554

Lung (liquid part) 207913

Lung (solid part) 157020

Spleen (liquid part) 136350

Spleen (solid part) 129017 Kidney (liquid part) 151849

Kidney (solid part) 109545

Myocardium (liquid part) 71021

Myocardium (solid part) 56809

Thymus (liquid part) 28953 Gonad (solid part) 2333

Pineal (liquid part) 4793

Medullo Suprarenal (solid part) 2700

Thyroid (solid part) 1120 These results show that the liver had the highest β radiation emission levels whilst the thyroid had the lowest β radiation emission levels.

Example 3

Blood serum was extracted from a neoplastic person (on 5 September 1997) and from a person m good health (on 22 November 1995) .

The β radiation spectrum of each serum was measured m the energy range of 0.1 to 200 KeV using the counter used m Example 1 The counter was orientated m a North-South direction and was situated Southwards of the serum being analysed.

Figures la and lb are the resulting spectra which clearly have differing profiles, although they each have a trough below 20 keV and a peak above 20 keV. The β radiation count per 200 microlitres of serum is about 50000 CPM for the healthy person and about 25000 CPM for the neoplastic person

Example 4

A 9K and a 15K centesimal dilution of Histaminum were prepared the same day using the same diluent of high purity water and the same energy of succussion- the acceleration was continuously recorded m order to calculate the energy input . The 9K centesimal dilution had a molar concentration of Histaminum greater than Avogadro's number whereas the 15K centesimal dilution had a molar concentration of Histaminum smaller than Avogadro's number.

The β radiation spectrum of each dilution was measured m the energy range of 0.1 to 200 KeV using the counter used m Example 1. The counter was orientated m a North-South direction and was situated Southwards of the dilution being analysed Figures 2a and 2b are the resulting spectra which clearly show differing profiles. The profile of the 15K centesimal dilution is shifted towards the low energy side relative to the profile of the 9K centesimal dilution. It is suggested that these two different dilutions of the same compound, prepared with the same energy input during the succussion process, are different products, each having a characteristic spectrum.

Example 5

The method of Example 4 was repeated except that dilutions of Iresine Cellosia were prepared.

Figures 3a and 3b are the resulting spectra which clearly show differing profiles. Again it is suggested that the 9K and 15K centesimal dilutions are different products, each having a characteristic spectra.

It is noted that the spectra of Examples 3 to 5 have the same energy range.

Example 6

A 100 microlitre portion of the 9K centesimal dilution of Iresine Cellosia from Example 5 was added to a 100 microlitre portion of the blood serum extracted from a neoplastic person of Example 3 (on 5 September 1997) .

The β radiation spectrum of the resulting mixture was measured m the energy range of 0.1 to 200 KeV using the counter used m Example 1 The counter was orientated m a North-South direction and was situated Southwards of the mixture being analysed.

Figure 4b is the resulting spectrum- figure 4a is the spectrum for the Dlood serum of the neoplastic person also shown m Figure lb.

A 100 microlitre portion of the 15K centesimal dilution of Iresine Cellosia from Example 5 was added to another 100 microlitre portion of the blood serum extracted from a neoplastic person of Example 3 (on 5 September 1997)

The β radiation spectrum of the resulting mixture was measured m the energy range of 0.1 to 200 KeV using the counter used m Example 1. The counter was orientated m a North-South direction and was situated Southwards of the mixture being analysed.

Figure 4c is the resulting spectrum.

From a comparison of the spectra of Figure 4 it can be seen that the 9K centesimal dilution has the effect of smoothing the high range of the count at about 20 KeV and creating a trough around 5 KeV m the spectrum profile of the blood serum of the neoplastic person (Figure 4a) .

It can also be seen that the 15K centesimal dilution has the effect of substantially restructuring the whole spectrum profile of the blood serum of the neoplastic person (figure 4a)

Analysis of these spectra, particularly m comparison to the spectrum of Figure la (healthy male) , assists m the selection of a suitable homoeopathic medicinal composition for treating the neoplastic person.

Example 7

A 200 microlitre urine sample was collected from each of seven healthy human bodies on 22 December 1996

The β-radiation spectrum of each sample was measured m the energy range of 0.1 to 200 keV using the counter used m example 1. The counter was orientated in a North-South direction and was situated Southwards of the sample being analysed Figure 5a is the resulting spectrum for a healthy female body having a "carbonic" basal metabolism.

Figure 5b is the resulting spectrum for a first healthy male body having a "carbonic" basal metabolism. Figure 5c is the resulting spectrum for a second healthy male body having a "carbonic" basal metabolism.

Figure 5d is the resulting spectrum for a healthy male body having a "fluoric" basal metabolism.

Figure 5e is the resulting spectrum for a first healthy male body having a "phosphoric" basal metabolism.

Figure 5f is the resulting spectrum for a second healthy male body having a "phosphoric" basal metabolism.

Figure 5g is the resulting spectrum for a healthy female body having a "phosphoric" basal metabolism. The y axis for each of Figures 5a to 5g is the same, and therefore comparable, range of CPM.

From a comparison of these spectra, it is clear that each urine sample produced a spectrum which differed from the spectra of the other samples . It is also clear that the spectrum profiles of the two male bodies having a "carbonic" basal metabolism are very similar, whilst the spectrum profile for the female body having a "carbonic" basal metabolism is less similar. Also, the spectrum profiles of the two male bodies having a "phosphoric" basal metabolism have several similarities m terms of peak and trough energies, for example, wnilst the spectrum profile for the female body having a "phosphoric" basal metabolism has fewer similarities.

This shows that fluid samples extracted from different healthy human bodies provide different β-radiation spectra and that the profiles of these spectra have greater similarities if the bodies have the same or similar basal metabolism.

Claims

ΓÇó

1 A method for obtaining measurements comprising measuring ╬▓ radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from a body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, wnerem tne counting means is m a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid.

2. A method for obtaining measurements comprising measuring ╬▓ radiation emitted by a reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy using a counting means to obtain a spectrum; wherein the counting means is m a predetermined orientation relative to the reference sample of the compound.

3 A method for building a databank of spectra comprising measuring ╬▓ radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from a body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid, and storing the spectrum m a databank of ╬▓ radiation spectra.

4. A method for building a databank of spectra comprising measuring ╬▓ radiation emitted by a reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the reference sample of the compound, and storing the spectrum m a databank of ╬▓ radiation spectra.

5 A method for identifying cnaracteristics of spectra comprising measuring ╬▓ radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body having a particular ailment using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid, and comparing the spectrum with at least one ╬▓ radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from another unhealthy body having the same or similar ailment to identify common characteristics of the spectra .

6 A method for identifying characteristics of spectra comprising measuring ╬▓ radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from a healthy body having a particular basal metabolism using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid, and comparing the spectrum with at least one ╬▓ radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from another healthy body having the same or similar basal metabolism to identify common characteristics of the spectra.

7. A method for identifying characteristics of spectra comprising measuring ╬▓ radiation emitted by a first reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the reference sample of the compound, and comparing the spectrum with at least one ╬▓ radiation spectrum obtained from a second reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of the selected compound to identify common characteristics of the spectra

8. A method for obtaining measurements useful in selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition, the method comprising the following steps: a) measuring ╬▓^" radiation emitted by a reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the reference sample of the compound; and b) measuring ╬▓^~ radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid.

9. A method for obtaining measurements useful in selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition, the method comprising the following steps: a) adding a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy to a sample of a fluid extracted from an unhealthy body,- and b) measuring ╬▓" radiation emitted by the resulting mixture using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the mixture .

10. A method for obtaining measurements useful in monitoring the effectiveness of a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition, the method comprising measuring ╬▓- radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from a body treated with a homeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid.

11. A method for assessing the health of a human or animal body comprising the following steps a) measuring ╬▓ radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid; and b) comparing the spectrum of step (a) with at least one ╬▓" radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from a healthy body

12. A method for selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition comprising the following steps: a) measuring ╬▓^" radiation emitted by a reference sample containing a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, tne counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the reference sample of the compound; b) measuring ╬▓^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being m a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid, c) comparing the spectrum of the reference sample of the compound with the spectrum of the sample of body fluid, and d) establishing the spectrum which would result if the body fluid and the compound at its predetermined concentration were admixed.

13. A method as claimed m claim 12, further comprising comparing the spectrum of step (d) with at least one ╬▓ radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from a healthy body.

14. A method for selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition comprising the following steps : a) adding a predetermined concentration of a selected compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy to a sample of a fluid extracted from an unhealthy body; and b) measuring ╬▓^" radiation emitted by the resulting mixture using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the mixture .

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, further comprising comparing the spectrum of step (b) with at least one ╬▓^" radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from a healthy body.

16. A method for diagnosing an ailment affecting an unhealthy body comprising the following steps: a) measuring ╬▓^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body using a counting means to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid; and b) comparing the spectrum of step (a) with at least one ╬▓^~ radiation spectrum obtained from a sample of fluid extracted from another unhealthy body having a diagnosed ailment .

17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 11, 13 and 15, wherein the unhealthy body and the healthy body have identical or approximately identical basal metabolisms.

18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2, 4, 7 to 10, 12 to 15 and 17, wherein the compound having homoeopathic efficacy is a diluted solution which is prepared by providing an initial solution containing a predetermined starting concentration of the compound and diluting the initial 5 solution using at least one dilution step by addition of a diluent so as to produce following the or each dilution step the diluted solution having a higher dilution than that of the solution being diluted.

10 19. A method as claimed in claim 18, in which the dilution step comprises succussion of the diluted solution during or after each dilution stage.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein less than 85000 15 kJ/mole of energy is imparted to the diluted solution during succussion.

21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2, 4, 7 to 10, 12 to 15 and 17, wherein the compound is a solid carrier

20 dosed with a predetermined amount of the diluted solution of claim 18, 19 or 20.

22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, in which the dilution step, any succussion step, and any dosing

~>5 step are carried out within an environment shielded from ╬▓^" radiation, including emitted ╬▓^" radiation in and around the tritium energy range.

23. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the 30 emitted ╬▓^" radiation is in and around the tritium energy range .

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the tritium energy range is from approximately 0.1 to approximately 60 keV.

25. Apparatus for diagnosing an ailment affecting an unhealthy body, the apparatus comprising: a) counting means for measuring ╬▓^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid; and b) means for comparing the spectrum with ╬▓^" radiation spectra in a databank, the spectra being obtained from samples of fluid extracted from other unhealthy bodies having diagnosed ailments .

26. Apparatus for assessing the extent of ill-health of a body, the apparatus comprising: a) counting means for measuring ╬▓^" radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid, and b) means for comparing the spectrum of the unhealthy body with ╬▓^" radiation spectra in a databank, the spectra being obtained from samples of fluid extracted from healthy bodies.

27. Apparatus for selecting a homoeopathic and/or allopathic medicinal composition, the apparatus comprising: a) counting means for measuring ╬▓^' radiation emitted by a sample of fluid extracted from an unhealthy body to obtain a spectrum, the counting means being in a predetermined orientation relative to the sample of fluid; b) means for comparing the spectrum of the sample of body fluid with ╬▓^' radiation spectra in a databank, the spectra being obtained from reference samples each containing a predetermined concentration of a compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy; c) means for establishing a spectrum which would result if the body fluid and a compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy were admixed; and d) means for comparing the spectrum of a proposed admixture of the body fluid and a compound having homoeopathic and/or allopathic efficacy with ╬▓- radiation spectra in a databank, the spectra being obtained from samples of fluid extracted from healthy bodies.

28. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the apparatus comprises a computer.