Book Review of “Kent’s Comparative Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica with an Overview of the Mind Section” by Dr Vaidhrutiben.S.Thakar 

Abstract

Kent’s Comparative Repertory Of The Homoeopathic Materia Medica With An Overview Of The Mind Section by Dr.R.Dockx & Dr.G.Kokelenberg  is the elaborative index of repertory of Homoeopathic Materia Medica with special emphasize on mind section which provides the rational explanation of mind rubrics in the simplest language along with the finer differentiation of remedies given under that rubric from the various authentic source & thus bridges the Materia Medica & repertory through their excellent explanation on rubrics of mind section. It complements the mind section of the repertory of Homeopathic Materia Medica & thus provides easy adaptability of it.

Keywords

Repertory of  Homoeopathic Materia  Medica, Mind, Mental rubrics, Homoeopathy, Kent’s Comparative Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica with an overview on mind section, Dr.J.T.Kent, Dr. R.Dockx  & Dr.G.Kokelenberg. 

Introduction

Repertory of Homoeopathic Materia Medica is one of the legendary works gifted to the Homoeopathic world by Dr. James Tyler Kent in 1897 compiled on the basis of sound philosophy and deductive logic & comprehensible plan & construction. Wonderful cures have been made during the last 125 years & still counting in the 21st century as no such work has offered to compete or substitute this literature. Kent has tried to give a rational explanation of his philosophy.  Even though it was one of the most complete & artistic work of the repertory field it underwent so many American & Indian editions due to ever increasing record of drug proving in our Materia Medica & added clinical experiments & observation. So, following that many stalwarts have started a work in direction to supplement the repertory of Homoeopathic Materia Medica like Barthel & Klunker,Friedrich schroyens etc. Some of them started working on miasmatic classification of rubrics of Kent’s repertory & so on.

      Kent’s Comparative Repertory of The Homoeopathic Materia Medica is one of such works under which for the first time in the history of repertory medicines placed against rubric have been compared & differentiated from authentic source book especially in mind section to make the repertory more comprehensive.

This book consists of 7 parts.

1. Contents
2. Bibliography
3. Introduction
4. Preface
5. Reference list
6. Remedies & their abbreviation
7. Repertory part proper

1ST PART

It comprises the index of 37 chapters arranged alphabetically along with page numbers where it starts.it starts from abdomen & ends with vision.

2ND PART

It is the bibliography part of 24 books with the name of their author.

3RD PART

This part has been written by Dr.R.Dockx,Dr.G.Klokelengerg

In this part in first paragraph author defines the problem with younger homoeopaths that is conversion of patient’s symptoms in the proper language of Kent’s repertory

In the 2nd paragraph he mentions a solution that problem can be encountered by getting familiar with the word rubric,sub-rubric,additional rubric, cross references.

In 3rd paragraph the purpose behind this repertory is mentioned, that is to study Kent’s repertory of homeopathic Materia medica page by page, rubric by rubric specially in mind section & wherever possible remedy by remedy. Then in the subsequent paragraph mention about how to take mental symptom & its interpretation without any preconceived notion, its importance in pediatric case, role of attendant in case taking ‘its interrogation without framing any leading question. Its importance in repertorization & finally on the prescription part.

Where he writes “if you doubt mental symptoms then drop them,& prescribe upon generals & locals & keynotes”

Grading: 4 gradings have been used. 

STAPH=4th degree

Staph= 3rd degree

Staph=2nd degree

Staph=1st degree

Abbreviation used in repertory part

DD=differential diagnosis

agg=aggravation

amel=amelioration

Cross-ref=cross reference

4TH PART

This part is the preface part where he mentions about obstacles faced while using Kent’s repertory, work done on Kent’s repertory in post kentian era  & how this work would be useful & what’s new has been added in this work & what could be the possible drawback

5TH PART

This is the reference part where they mention about the list of 36 reference following serial number

6th PART

Where a list of 792 drugs along with their abbreviation has been mentioned.

7TH PART 

Under this part proper repertory has been discussed.

Repertory In Detail

• It follows the plan & construction of the Repertory of Homoeopathic Materia Medica by Dr. James Tyler Kent.
• Arrangement of 37 chapters follows Hahnemannian anatomical schema
• Each page is divided by a vertical line.
• Rubrics, sub-rubrics are arranged in alphabetical order.
• Lots of new rubrics & sub-rubrics have been added.
• Many Medicines have been added other than Kent’s repertory
• Rubrics are given in bold capital.
• Differential diagnosis of remedies has been given.
• Mind chapter is the biggest chapter(182 pages) & has a large number of rubrics while the prostate is the shortest chapter(1 page) has only4 rubrics.

Merits of the Repertory

1. Title has absolutely good matching with the contents of the repertory.
2. First time in the history of repertory the differential diagnosis of the remedies against rubrics have been inserted which provides the clear understanding of remedies for prescription.
3. Even though it’s not the complete work, still additions & corrections in the rubrics & remedies by the eminent homeopaths around the globe have been attempted.
4. Number of remedies are quite good (792) which are sufficient for effective homoeopathic prescription.
5. Mind section has been explained in an elaborate (193 pages) with good comparison of remedies, cross reference & abundant rubrics.
6. Cross references are given along with page number which provides ease in referring.
7. Author has tried to solve the purpose of understanding rubric in the simplest language which was one of the big obstacles for younger homeopaths while handling the repertoire of homeopathic materia medica.
8. In between the rubrics they have given explanations about drugs & their use, bowel nosodes,psychic symptoms.
9. In certain chapters there is direction given about use of potency, mode of administration of remedies ,vaccination.
10. The clinical conditions which can be used for particular rubrics have been added.
11. Along with the drugs sources are also mentioned so in doubtful cases facilitates easy verification.
12. Important remedies have been discussed first under the general rubric & then sub-rubrics are given.
13. Under chapter “generalities” cold remedies & warm remedies has been differentiated in detail

Demerits of the Repertory

1. This repertory can complement the repertory of Homoeopathic Materia Medica but cannot substitute for its sound philosophy, plan & construction & its completeness.
2. Only the mind section has been explained elaboratively.It cannot be used for systemic 
3. Repertorization like other logico-utilitarian repertories. 
4. Fever chapter has not given elaboratively, only few medicines have been explained 
5. All the drugs have not been discussed under rubrics.

References

1. Dockx.R & Kokelenberg.G,Kent’s Comparative Repertory of The Homoeopathic Materia Medica with An Overview of The Mind Section; 1st Indian edition :B Jain publishers(P) ltd; 1996