Question

Given below are two statements : Statement I : American Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia, in its earlier editions, divided all vegetables and animal drug substance into four classes for preparation of mother tincture. Statement II : The amount of drug substance was 1/2, 1/3, 1/6 and 1/10 in each of the respective classes. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. \( \text{Both Statement I and Statement II are true} \)
• B. \( \text{Both Statement I and Statement II are false} \)
• C. \( \text{Statement I is true but Statement II is false} \)
• D. \( \text{Statement I is false but Statement II is true} \)

Hint:

\textbf{Homoeopathic Pharmacy: Mother Tincture Preparation.} Different pharmacopoeias may have variations in their guidelines for mother tincture preparation. Understanding the historical methods, such as the AHP's classification based on the nature of the drug substance, provides context to the evolution of homeopathic pharmacy practices.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Statement I is true: In its earlier editions, the American Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (AHP) did indeed classify vegetable and animal drug substances into four classes (Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV) for the preparation of mother tinctures. This classification was based on the succulence and moisture content of the raw materials. Statement II is true: The proportions of the drug substance used in relation to the menstruum (the solvent, typically alcohol and/or water) for these four classes were as follows: \begin{itemize} \item Class I: Fresh, juicy plants - Drug substance 1 part by weight to 2 parts by weight of menstruum (1/2 ratio). \item Class II: Fresh, less succulent plants - Drug substance 1 part by weight to 3 parts by weight of menstruum (1/3 ratio). \item Class III: Fresh, dry or slightly moist plants - Drug substance 1 part by weight to 6 parts by weight of menstruum (1/6 ratio). \item Class IV: Dried plants or animal substances - Drug substance 1 part by weight to 10 parts by weight of menstruum (1/10 ratio). \end{itemize} Therefore, both statements are accurate regarding the earlier methods described in the American Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia for the preparation of mother tinctures from vegetable and animal substances.