Allopathy

Allopathy is a term that was coined by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy.

Hahnemann used the term to refer to what he saw was a system of medication which combats disease by using remedies which produce effects that are different (hence Greek root allo- "different") from those of the disease being treated. He claimed his theory of homeopathy, which tries to mimic the symptoms (hence homeo-, "the same") was a more effective and humane alternative.

The term allopathy today is used most frequently in the context of critiques of modern medicine made by practioners of alternative healing.