| |
Homeopathy in Canada: A Synopsis |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Lancaster was the
first practicing homeopath in Ontario and in 1850, he committed himself
to having Homeopathy regulated. In 1859, supported by 1,812 signatures,
Mr. Asa Howard petitioned the legislative Assembly of Upper Canada
to recognize Homeopathy (SUC, 1859). On May 4, 1859, the bill known
as "An Act Respecting Homeopathy" was enacted and the Homeopathic
Medical Board of Upper Canada was established (CSUC, 1859). A three
year full time programme was required to practice as a homeopathic
doctor. Dr. Lancaster served as secretary-treasurer of the Homeopathic
Board from 1859 to 1868. The position was shared with J. Adams of
Toronto who served on the Board from 1859 to 1869. Its president was
Dr. D. Campbell (1859-69). Other members were: A.T. Bull, London (1859-65),
A. Greenleat Hamilton (1859-61), J. Hall, Toronto (1859-63), Thos.
Nichol, Belleville (1861-65), 0. C. Field, Woodstock (1863-69), W.
Springer, Ingersoll (1865-69), and J. W. Fergusson, Hamilton (1865-69).
|
|
|
Prior to "An Act
Respecting Homeopathy", the Homeopathic Medical Society of Canada
was formed on February 6, 1854 in Hamilton and the following executives
were elected (Lillie,1855): A. Fisher, M.D., Montreal, C. E.,
President; A. Wolverton, M.D., Hamilton, C.W., 1st Vice-President;
J. Lancaster, Eden Vale, 2nd Vice-President; W. Greenleat,
M.D., St. Catharines, Secretary and Treasurer; A.T. Bull, M.D.,
London, J. C. Peterson, M.D., Hamilton, and G.W. Campbell,
M.D., Siddlesville, (Censors); Wm. Springer, M.D., Hamilton,
Corresponding Secretary. |
|
|
In 1865, "An
Act to Regulate the Qualifications of Practitioners in Medicine and
Surgery in Upper Canada" was proclaimed (CSUC,1865). A clause
in this act prohibited any repeal or action that would in anyway affect
the Homeopathic Act of 1859 and the Eclectic Act of 1861. In 1866,
"An Act Respecting The Medical Board and Medical Practitioners"
authorized the formation of a licensing Board for conventional doctors,
exempting homeopaths and midwives. As a consequence of these two acts,
the Council of Education and Registration of Upper Canada was established
in 1866, with the authority to grant licenses to practice medicine
in Upper Canada. Dr. Campbell appeared at the first meeting of the
Council, as the representative of the Homeopathic Board, but was not
received. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
