In his twenty-five years as a homoeopathic lecturer, Vinton McCabe has taught thousands of medical professionals and laypersons alike both the philosophy and practice of homoeopathic medicine. Through his books on the subject, he has reached many more, giving his readers both the tenets of homoeopathy as put forth originally by Samuel Hahnermann more than two hundred years ago and his own unique viewpoint on the subject of homoeopathic healing. With The Healing Enigma, McCabe makes use of his full experience of homoeopathy to give a fully rounded assessment of the principles of homoeopathy and the manner in which it is practised today.

The concept of the physician-priest is an ancient one existing pre-Christianity, and historic references to the role can be found within the majority of religions and across all continents. However, despite a growing body of scientific evidence indicating the value of spirituality, the 20th century medical profession within the Western world has placed religion at arm’s length, effectively excluding such discussion from the medical consultation. Referring to both primary and secondary sources within theological, medical, legal, historic and philosophical literature, Robert puts forward an argument in support of a 21st century role for the physician-priest. He argues that if the physician can exercise the role of priest in addition to their medical role, they can thereby truly minister to the whole person in terms of mind, body and soul. With consideration of modern NHS funding streams, Robert suggests a radical proposal whereby the Church of England and medical educational institutions might combine to offer dual theological and medical training. The result would establish a new breed of professional person ideally positioned in respect to the care of the elderly and those with terminal illness. The Healing Enigma suggests that this not only assists with the provision of ‘whole-person’ care, but also allows the Church to firmly re-establish itself in the 21st century within its Christian healing tradition.

The book brings together thirteen essays presented to medical and psychiatric societies, mainly during the 1970's and 1980's. In these essays, Gadamer justifies the reasons for a philosophical interest in health and medicine, and a corresponding need for health practitioners to enter into a dialogue with philosophy.

In this book Gadamer discusses the transformations in human self-understanding, focusing on the achievements of modern medicine.