The centesimal scale was favoured by Hahnemann for most of his life, although in his last ten years Hahnemann developed a quintamillesimal (Q) scale which diluted the drug 1 part in 50,000 The greatest dilution reasonably likely to contain at least one molecule of the original substance is around 12C. There is also a decimal dilution scale (notated as 'X' or 'D') in which the preparation is diluted by a factor of 10 at each stage. Hahnemann created the 'centesimal' or 'C scale', diluting a substance by a factor of 100 at each stage. Three main logarithmic dilution scales are in regular use in homeopathy. the nominal dilution is one part in a million (10 6). This bottle contains Arnica montana (Leopard's Bane, Fallkraut) D6, i.e. There are no laboratory assays and the importance and techniques for succussion cannot be determined with any certainty from the literature. There are differences of opinion on the number and force of strikes, and some practitioners dispute the need for succussion at all. In industrial manufacture this may be done by machine. : 31 The process of dilution and succussion is termed 'dynamization' or 'potentization' by homeopaths. : 16 Hahnemann had a saddle-maker construct a special wooden striking board covered in leather on one side and stuffed with horsehair. It has been said that Hahnemann came to this conclusion after deciding preparations subjected to agitation in transit, such as in saddle bags or in a carriage, were more 'potent'. To counter the reduced potency at high dilutions he formed the view that vigorous shaking by striking on an elastic surface – a process termed succussion – was necessary. The founder of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann found that undiluted doses caused reactions, sometimes dangerous ones, so specified that preparations be given at the lowest possible dose.

Understanding serial dilutions