Emanuel Felke was a German pastor born in 1856 who developed an interest in natural healing methods from his father. He studied homeopathic remedies and observed herbal treatments of animals. During a diphtheria epidemic, his use of homeopathy to successfully treat children began his reputation as a healer. Felke treated patients with various natural therapies including magnetism, massage, and hypnotism. He is known for introducing homeopathic complexes still used today and pioneering the use of mud treatments. Felke made important contributions by developing treatments using earth and helping establish iridology as a diagnostic method.