Homeopathy - Water Memory

Definition: Homeopathy claims that water retains a “memory” of substances that were once dissolved in it, even after repeated dilution to the point where no molecules of the original substance remain. This is the basis for homeopathic remedies.

The Masking Mechanism: The mask is the use of the word “memory” – a term borrowed from computer science and biology – to describe a supposed physical property of water. It also borrows the language of clinical trials, presenting homeopathy as if it has been tested scientifically. The mask works because water is complex and does have unusual properties, which makes the leap to “memory” seem less absurd.

Genuine Parallel: The genuine parallel is the actual complexity of water chemistry – its hydrogen bonding, its anomalous thermal properties, its role in biological systems. But none of that supports the idea that water retains a molecular blueprint of substances long after they have been removed.