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human crux of the situation? The patient must be brought in, his understanding, freedom and responsibility fostered. Otherwise we are only binding him in thraldom to authority whether of modern science or the minimum similimum. Individual freedom matters. How can we best serve it?

International Homoeopathic Congress, New Delhi 1967

News that the International Homceopathie Congress was to be held in New Delhi this year led to the immediate reaction tha t this was really going too f a r - - then, as t ime drew nearer the temptat ion to look into ways and means became irresistible. Finally the scales were turned by the consideration tha t so many Indian homoeopathic doctors find their way to our country. As the President of the Congress, Dr. Diwan Harish Chand said in his opening address, " I t is as far from India to Europe as from Europe to India ."

The Western delegates all stayed at the Ashoka Hote l - - a Mogul-inspired building with five-star service three miles from the city centre. They included such well-known and honoured personalities as Dr. Francois Lamasson of Paris, President of the International Homceopathic League, Dr. Pierre Schmidt of Geneva, Dr. William Gutman of New York, Dr. T. Pablo Paschero of Buenos Aires, Dr. yon Petzinger and Dr. Pirtkien from West Germany, Dr. Sehepens- HeIming from Belgium, Dr. Seitsehek of Vienna, and Dr. A. Mattoli of Florence. Dr. Blackie, Dr. Benjamin and Dr. Twentyman were greatly missed and re- peatedly enquired for. The United Kingdom was represented by Dr. Hamish Boyd from Scotland and Dr. Harling from England.

The organization of the Congress was magnificent. International Committee business was disposed of on Saturday 21st October, and tha t evening Dr. and Mrs. Harish Chand held a reception at their home for foreign delegates. l~egistration for the Congress took place on Sunday morning 22nd October. The Congress Hall, Vigyan Bhawan, the largest in New Delhi, has a seating capacity of 1,500, and it was easy in the event to believe tha t more than this number had registered, and many had had to be turned away.

On the afternoon of Sunday, 22 October, the Congress was formally inaugura- ted by Dr. Zakir Husain, the President of India, supported by Dr. Chandrasekar, the Minister of Heal th and Family Planning. This was followed by Dr. Diwan tIarish Chand's Presidential Address.

t Iomceopathy is, for various reasons, very acceptable to the Indian people, and enjoys the moral and financial support of the Government, which aims at

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up-grading the existing homceopathie Colleges and founding new ones where necessary, to increase the supply of well-qualified homceopathic doctors. Hence the theme of the Congress, "Homceopathie Education". The connection-- stressed by Dr. Chandrasekar--between Homceopathy and Family Planning, an urgent necessity in India today, was not obvious to a Westerner, but it appears tha t work along this line is proceeding in two directions. Experiments with a homceopathie "pill" are taking place in communities which will not accept any other form of contraception, and homoeopathie remedies are being used to counteract irritation caused by I.U.C.D's.

On the evening of Sunday 22 October all delegates were entertained to an outdoor performance of the Ram Lila Ballet. This is a modern production depicting the great Indian epic Ramayana in traditional dance forms.

The Scientific Sessions took place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 23-25 October. There can be no doubt that homceopathic education is a subject of immense importanee to homceopaths in India today. Fif ty papers were read, but the President told us that two hundred had been submitted. The general standard was thus high. Simultaneous translation was provided. As in every International Congress, there was not enough t ime for discussion of the papers.

At the end of each afternoon session films were shown, including one loaned by Dr. Benjamin, and one from the laboratories of Dr. Wilmar Schwabe.

A full Ladies' Programme of sightseeing\and shopping was provided, a special attraction being the demonstration of Indian hair-styles. Also there were lavish presents for the delegates, a silk stole and a fan for the ladies, a Conference tie and a stud-box for the gentlemen.

On Monday evening, 23 October, a Banquet for all delegates was held at the Ashoka Hotel, followed by a demonstration of Indian dancing. On the afternoon of Tuesday 24 October, a Reception was held at the President's Residence, and members of the Committee of the International Homceopathic League were introduced to Dr. Zakir Husain. On the same evening Dr. and Mrs. Harish Chand gave a dinner-party to National Vice-Presidents at the Oberoi Continental Hotel. On the evening of Wednesday, 25 October, after the formal closing of the Congress, all delegates were transported by coach to the Red Fort for a Son et Lumiere performance of the History of Delhi.

So a memorable Congress came to an end, and the visitors left to see as much more of India as possible before returning home. We were all greatly impressed with the friendliness, sincerity, enthusiasm and efficiency of our Indian hosts. Nothing was too much trouble for them, and at the end of a long day of papers and entertainment they were prepared to invite us home to a sumptuous meal, to continue discussing tha t important subject, Homceopathy. Particular credit must go to Dr. Diwan Harish Chand for his superb organization, combined with the gift of being never too busy to answer questions. And Mrs. Chand deserves high praise, as well as thanks, for the smooth running of all the social functions. Had it not been for her name on the programme, one would never have suspected that she carried this responsibility--she looked at all times beautiful, calm, unruffled, and as if she was thoroughly enjoying herself listelfing to whatever was going on.

M.H.