Some impressions of an international homoeopathic congress

The large clean barges, either well laden or empty, made their noisy way up and down the Rhine, bound either for Holland or Switzerland. Steamboats, large and small, carried multitudes of tourists who thronged the decks, drinking wine or beer whilst admiring the scenery. The traffic was increased and probably complicated, by small canoes, rowing boats and sailing schooners. All this was seen and appreciated by the wife of one of the doctors attending the recent 26th International HHomceopathic League Congress held at Bad Godesberg am Rhein, September 10th-14th, 1962; with the Annual Council and Assembly Meeting taking place on September 8th and 9th.

The doctor-husband of the wife in question had to work very hard during this time, attending all the meetings and taking a more or less prominent part in them. The doctor's wife only went to the "Solemn Opening", the Reception given by the Burgomaster, the trip on the Rhine, and various other excursions and social events, concluding with the Banquet held at the Rheinhotel Dreesen, and attended by over 200 guests.

At the opening of the Congress, between two beautifully played movements of one of Mozart's symphonies, she heard the guests and members welcomed by the German hosts, in the persons of Dr. Schwarzhaupt, Vice-President of the I.H.L. for Germany; Dr. Heinz Schoeler, 1st President of the German Central Association of Homceopathic Physicians; the Burgomaster of Bad Godesberg; and Ministerialrat Dr. Daniels representing the Federal Minister of Public Health; whose speeches were followed by reports of the League. These showed that in European, North and South America and Asian countries the position of I-Iomceopathy is maintained, and t he need for more homceopathic doctors universal.

The simultaneous translation was excellent and so much better and less time- wasting than having to sit through two or more translations of every speech.

She understands there were numerous papers given on many and varied aspects of homceotherapeutics.

The meetings were all held in the Stadthalle, a building specially designed for such occasions situated in a lovely park, with excellent outdoor and indoor restaurants available.

At the Assembly meeting a new President of the I.H.L., Dr. Alva Benjamin, was unanimously elected for three years, in place of Dr. Gagliardi of Rome, the retiring President; and a new Secretary-General, Dr. Lamasson of Paris replaced Dr. Benjamin in that position. I t was also decided that the next Council and Assembly meetings should take place in 1963, before the National Spanish Congress in Barcelona in September. A session was held by the International Council for Homceopathic Research presided over by Dr. Gutman of New York (U.S.A.), and at a meeting of the Committee of Pharmacists Mr. Dudley Everi t t of Nelson's (London), was elected Chairman for the ensuing year.

Dr. Schwarzhaupt and his Committee are to be congratulated on the success of their endeavours to organize an outstanding Congress. M.E.