Shang’s secret – the hydra of homoeomythology

Milgrom, L. HOMEOPATHY AND THE NEW FUNDAMENTALISM, slide15

The Complementary Medical Association (CMA) recently held the inaugural “Scientific Research in Homeopathy” conference at the University of Westminster. Homeopathy researcher and quantum flap-doodler extraordinaire Lionel Milgrom was one of the speakers. Reviewing the slides of his presentation is a real treat; a truely remarkable document. (It’s available here as a powerpoint file)

For this post I’ll just pick his slide on the controvertial (for homeopaths) Lancet paper by Shang et al.

Homeopathy and the Absence of Evidence

The apologists for homeopathy are upset again: this time with Professor Edzard Ernst and Simon Singh’s new book.  Why? Because once more homeopathy is exposed for what it is: a placebo.

Dr Damien Downing, the Medical Director for the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH), seems particularly put out.  So much so that he has released a rather silly critique. (This link seems to be down. Try here)

After some empty carping he suggests that Ernst is not a very good scientist and then goes on to wrap himself in the flag of good science, “The scientific method ‘consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses’ (Wikipedia) – not of unsubstantiated dogmatic statements. Science has no room for dogma.”

This is one point I can agree with; compared to the statements of some other protagonists it’s pretty reasonable: science should have no room for dogma.  However, Downing is not averse to peddling some homeopathic propaganda.