Mélanie Hahnemann

Melanie Hahnemann, nee d'Hervilly Gohier (cropped)

Mélanie Hahnemann (2 February 1800 – 27 May 1878) was a French homeopath and the second wife of Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy. She played a significant role in the development and propagation of homeopathy in the 19th century.

Early Life

Mélanie Hahnemann was born Mélanie d'Hervilly Gohier in Paris, France. She came from a well-to-do family and received a good education, which was uncommon for women at the time. Her early life was marked by her interest in the arts and sciences.

Marriage to Samuel Hahnemann

In 1835, Mélanie met Samuel Hahnemann, who was then a widower and significantly older than her. Despite the age difference, they married in 1835. After their marriage, Mélanie became deeply involved in her husband's work and the practice of homeopathy. She assisted him in his practice and helped in the preparation of homeopathic remedies.

Contributions to Homeopathy

Mélanie Hahnemann was not only a supportive spouse but also an active practitioner of homeopathy. She continued to practice homeopathy after Samuel Hahnemann's death in 1843. Mélanie was instrumental in spreading homeopathy in France and other parts of Europe. She was known for her dedication to her patients and her ability to prepare effective homeopathic remedies.

Later Life and Death

After Samuel Hahnemann's death, Mélanie continued to live in Paris, where she practiced homeopathy until her death in 1878. She was buried next to her husband in the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

Legacy

Mélanie Hahnemann's contributions to homeopathy have been recognized by homeopathic practitioners and historians. Her work helped to establish homeopathy as a respected field of alternative medicine in the 19th century.

See Also

• Samuel Hahnemann
• Homeopathy
• Père Lachaise Cemetery