Book Review on Miasmatic Prescribing by Dr. Anil Singhal

In the last week of December 2024, I received a note from Dr. Rashi Prakash, the esteemed Managing Head of B. Jain Publishers, inquiring whether I could dedicate some time to reviewing a book. The title in question was Miasmatic Prescribing by Dr. Subrata Kumar Banerjea—an area of profound significance in homeopathic philosophy and clinical application. As this book was not part of my personal collection, Dr. Prakash graciously arranged a copy for me, ensuring I had the opportunity to delve into its insights.

Upon receiving the courier, I unwrapped a meticulously crafted paperback edition, its black cover adorned with bold lettering: MIASMATIC PRESCRIBING – Its Philosophy, Diagnostic Classifications, Clinical Tips, Miasmatic Repertory, Miasmatic Weightage of Medicines, and Case Illustrations. This was the Second Extended Edition of the book, authored by none other than Dr. Subrata Kumar Banerjea, a distinguished figure in the field of classical homeopathy.

Immersing myself in its pages, I took two months to read and absorb the text, balancing my routine commitments of family life, clinical practice, and academic engagements. Although I recognize that my review comes later than expected, I was committed to completing the book with the depth and reflection it truly deserves. My aim was not merely to peruse but to do justice to the wealth of knowledge it contains—a book that not only elaborates on miasmatic philosophy but also serves as a clinical guide for precise homeopathic prescribing.

As I immersed myself in the pages of Miasmatic Prescribing, I encountered an extraordinary connection—one that evoked both immense joy and a profound sense of closure regarding a long-standing inquiry in my own work. What unfolded before me was not merely an academic revelation but a deeply personal moment of rediscovery, underscoring the invaluable role of preserving and reconnecting with our shared homeopathic legacy.

The journey dates back to 2002, when I embarked on my postgraduate thesis, choosing to explore The Synoptic Key to the Materia Medica by Dr. C.M. Boger. This seminal work, celebrated for its conciseness and clinical applicability, has been an indispensable guide in homeopathic practice for decades. Yet, my interest extended beyond its contents—I was drawn to its historical trajectory, particularly the later editions published in India after Dr. Boger’s passing.

Through rigorous research, I uncovered a significant yet largely unrecognized historical fact: Dr. N.K. Banerjee of Calcutta had been entrusted with Dr. Boger’s original manuscripts. This discovery became a foundational pillar of my thesis and later found its rightful place in my book, Boger’s Legacy. Dr. Banerjee’s role in safeguarding and expanding upon Boger’s contributions was nothing short of remarkable. His dedication led to the publication of the 5th edition of the Synoptic Key with Salzer and Co., followed by the 6th edition—a labour of love that exemplified his commitment to the art and science of homeopathy.

However, after Dr. Banerjee’s passing, the trail of this legacy grew faint. I learned that his humble yet invaluable library—containing precious manuscripts—had been inherited by his nephew, who had since relocated to the United Kingdom. Despite my earnest efforts to trace this collection, the search remained inconclusive. The thought of these historical treasures being lost or forgotten weighed heavily on me, and for years, the mystery lingered unresolved.

In 2023, I published Boger’s Legacy, a culmination of my years of work, attempting to piece together fragments of history and knowledge to honor Boger’s indelible contributions to homeopathy. Yet, one persistent question haunted me: What had become of Dr. Banerjee’s invaluable collection?

Then, in a moment of sheer serendipity, the missing threads of this long-standing mystery began to weave together. When I received Miasmatic Prescribing by Dr. S.K. Banerjea and I turned to the preface, a name leaped off the page—Dr. N.K. Banerjee (Dr. Naba Kumar Banerjee). My curiosity was immediately ignited, compelling me to read further. To my utter astonishment, I discovered that Dr. S.K. Banerjea, the book’s author, was none other than the very nephew who had inherited Dr. Banerjee’s treasured library.

A revelation of this magnitude was nothing short of exhilarating. The long-lost connection I had spent years searching for had surfaced, entirely unexpectedly, through a book that had come into my hands for an entirely different purpose.

This serendipitous moment not only bridges a historical gap in Boger’s legacy but also reaffirms the profound interconnectedness of our homeopathic fraternity. The realization that Dr. N.K. Banerjee’s life’s work continues through Dr. S.K. Banerjea is both humbling and inspiring, reinforcing the timeless relevance of historical inquiry in homeopathy.

This journey—one of curiosity, perseverance, and an unwavering passion for homeopathy—serves as a poignant reminder of why we must remain steadfast in our efforts to safeguard, document, and celebrate our collective heritage.

While this narrative may not be directly about Miasmatic Prescribing, I felt compelled to share it with the readers of this review. Some stories deserve to be told—not just for their historical significance but for the inspiration they offer to every homeopathic student, practitioner, and researcher committed to preserving and expanding the legacy of our beloved science.

The word Miasm is one of the earliest and most profound concepts introduced to a homeopathic student, typically within the first month of their education. Yet, its depth and implications unfold gradually over a lifetime, remaining a subject of continuous exploration, contemplation, and refinement. For many, it serves as a cornerstone of homeopathic philosophy, influencing the way we perceive disease, its origins, and its chronic manifestations.

I vividly recall the first time I encountered the term Miasm in 1984, during my foundational months at Nehru Homeopathic Medical College (NHMC), Delhi. It was in the esteemed classroom of late Dr. A.C. Gupta ‘Sir’, our revered teacher of Organon of Medicine, that the concept was first introduced to me. As he expounded upon the initial aphorisms of Hahnemann’s Organon, he instilled in us a sense of awe regarding the dynamic nature of disease and its deeper, underlying causes. Little did I realize then that this singular word—Miasm—would evolve into an intellectual and clinical pursuit, shaping the way I would interpret health, pathology, and cure in my future years as a practitioner and researcher.

Miasm is not just a term in homeopathy—it is a foundational pillar, an integral concept that shapes the very doctrine upon which homeopathic philosophy and clinical practice are built. Hahnemann’s groundbreaking revelation of chronic miasms in his seminal work, The Chronic Diseases, laid the groundwork for understanding the deep-seated origins of disease and the necessity of individualized treatment beyond symptomatic relief. The concept of miasm is, in many ways, the bridge between pathology and constitutional prescribing, enabling homeopaths to trace the evolutionary patterns of disease across generations.

Recognizing its significance, Dr. Subrata Kumar Banerjea opens Miasmatic Prescribing with a clear and precise definition of Miasm, followed by his Ten Principles—a structured framework that encapsulates the essence of miasmatic theory and its practical application. These principles serve as an essential guide for both students and seasoned practitioners, offering a distilled yet profound understanding of how miasms influence susceptibility, symptom evolution, and remedial response.

Every homeopathic student and practitioner should make it a point to carefully study this opening section. Within a single page, Dr. Banerjea masterfully encapsulates the philosophical and clinical dimensions of miasms, ensuring that the reader gains a firm grasp of their significance. This page alone acts as a compass, directing the practitioner toward a more profound, nuanced, and clinically effective approach to homeopathic prescribing. It is not merely an introduction but a gateway into the vast and intricate world of miasmatic understanding—one that demands careful contemplation and lifelong study.

The book is meticulously structured into nine distinct parts, each dedicated to a crucial aspect of Miasmatic Prescribing. Within these sections, Dr. Banerjea systematically unfolds the philosophy, clinical application, and practical methodologies associated with miasms, providing a comprehensive guide that is both academically enriching and clinically relevant.

Part 1: “Philosophy and Utility” – The Core of Miasmatic Understanding

The first section, titled Philosophy and Utility, spans 39 pages and serves as the intellectual foundation of the book. Here, Dr. Banerjea intricately dissects every nuanced aspect of miasms, elucidating their historical significance, conceptual framework, and practical implications in clinical practice. His approach is both scholarly and pragmatic, ensuring that readers—whether students or experienced practitioners—gain an in-depth understanding of how miasms influence disease progression and remedy selection.

On page 6, Dr. Banerjea highlights a critical historical perspective:

“Hahnemann spent 12 years of intensive study relating the presence of miasms to chronic diseases.”

This single statement encapsulates the immense effort and intellectual rigor that Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, devoted to uncovering the underlying causes of chronic illnesses. Hahnemann’s meticulous observations led to the revolutionary concept that disease was not merely an outcome of external factors but was deeply rooted in inherited and acquired predispositions—miasms—that shape susceptibility and clinical manifestations. Dr. Banerjea continues this historical exploration, tracing the evolution of miasmatic understanding and its transformation into a fundamental principle of homeopathic practice.

On page 17, he shifts the focus to a pivotal clinical insight:

“The Clinical and Practical Utility of Miasms.”

Here, Dr. Banerjea provides an elaborate discourse on the layers of miasmatic states, an essential concept for homeopathic practitioners. Understanding miasms is not merely an academic exercise—it is the key to accurate case analysis, remedy selection, and long-term patient management. He delves into the multi-dimensional nature of miasmatic influences, discussing how acute and chronic manifestations can be traced back to underlying miasmatic states. This section is particularly valuable because it bridges theory with practice, offering practical tools for identifying miasmatic patterns in clinical cases.

A striking and thought-provoking assertion by Dr. Banerjea is his discussion on Psora, where he states:

“It is quite impossible to fully cure Psora.”

This statement, rather than being discouraging, serves as a profound reminder of the chronic and dynamic nature of disease. Through logical explanations and illustrative flow diagrams, he dismantles common misconceptions about miasmatic treatment, emphasizing that while homeopathy provides deep, constitutional healing, the intrinsic miasmatic predisposition of an individual continues to shape their health trajectory. His lucid interpretations guide practitioners in managing chronic cases with realistic expectations, ensuring they address the miasmatic background while focusing on holistic and individualized treatment.

This first part of the book alone offers an intellectual treasure trove for students and practitioners alike. It presents not only the philosophy of miasmatic prescribing but also the practical methodologies necessary for integrating this knowledge into daily clinical practice. Any homeopath striving to master the art of constitutional and miasmatic prescribing must engage deeply with this section—it lays the groundwork for everything that follows in the book.

Part 2: Extensive Comparative Analysis of Symptoms – A Tabular Masterpiece

Following the foundational discourse on miasmatic philosophy and utility, the next section of the book transitions into an extensive comparative analysis of symptoms, presented in a tabular format. This section is an invaluable tool for homeopaths, as it meticulously categorizes symptoms across different miasmatic states, enabling precise differentiation and clinical application.

Dr. Banerjea organizes this comparison systematically, beginning with mental symptoms—an area of paramount importance in homeopathic case-taking. He lays out characteristic patterns of thought, behaviour, and emotional dispositions associated with different miasms. This approach allows practitioners to quickly discern the dominant miasmatic influence in a given case by analysing the patient’s psychological and emotional expressions.

From there, the comparison extends to characteristic physical symptoms, detailing how miasms influence organ affinities, pathological tendencies, and disease progressions. This structured format helps in deciphering the miasmatic terrain of a case—a crucial step in selecting the most appropriate constitutional or anti-miasmatic remedy.

Further, Dr. Banerjea delves into clinical symptoms, offering a side-by-side evaluation of disease presentations across various miasmatic layers. This level of detail is particularly beneficial for differential diagnosis and miasmatic evaluation, assisting homeopaths in distinguishing whether a particular symptom is rooted in a Psoric, Syphilitic, Sycotic, or Tubercular miasm.

The tabular format employed in this section is one of the book’s standout features—it transforms complex theoretical concepts into a concise, easily navigable clinical reference. Whether a student striving to grasp miasmatic differentials or an experienced practitioner seeking quick, reliable comparisons, this section proves to be an indispensable asset.

By distilling decades of clinical experience into a structured, comparative framework, Dr. Banerjea provides homeopaths with a practical tool that enhances precision in prescribing. This segment of the book, therefore, serves as a bridge between homeopathic philosophy and real-world clinical application, making it a must-read and must-utilize resource for every serious homeopath.

Part 4: Clinical Tips on Natural Characteristics – A Treasure Trove for Practical Homeopathy

One of the most engaging and practically insightful sections of the book is Part 4: ‘Clinical Tips on Natural Characteristics’, spanning pages 173 to 188. Though relatively brief, this section is a goldmine of clinical wisdom, distilling years of homeopathic practice into concise, applicable insights.

Dr. Banerjea masterfully compiles key observations on natural characteristics, drawing from constitutional types, behavioural patterns, and physical attributes that correspond to specific miasmatic tendencies and remedy indications. These clinical pearls serve as powerful tools for rapid case analysis, allowing homeopaths to refine their prescribing by recognizing miasmatic traits and remedy pictures at a glance.

For instance, certain inherent physical and mental dispositions—such as posture, gait, facial features, habitual expressions, and temperament—can offer immediate clues about a patient’s underlying miasm. These observations, often overlooked in conventional diagnostics, are integral to classical homeopathy, where the practitioner’s ability to perceive subtle, yet defining, patient characteristics enhances remedy selection.

This section is particularly invaluable for homeopathic interns and young practitioners who are still developing their case observation skills. By systematically studying these clinical tips, students can train themselves to detect miasmatic influences in everyday practice, ultimately improving their ability to select the most appropriate constitutional, miasmatic, or acute remedy.

I strongly recommend that every homeopathic intern, practitioner, and educator not only read but imbibe and integrate these clinical pearls into daily practice. The small yet potent insights found within these pages have the potential to sharpen clinical acumen, making the process of case-taking and remedy selection more precise, intuitive, and effective.

Part 6: ‘Miasmatic Weightage of Medicines’ – A Critical Tool for Case Analysis and Remedy Selection

Among the most pragmatic and clinically significant sections of Miasmatic Prescribing is Part 6: ‘Miasmatic Weightage of Medicines’. This segment is an indispensable resource for practitioners and students alike, offering a structured approach to analyzing remedy selection through the lens of miasmatic influence.

One of the greatest challenges in homeopathic prescribing arises when a well-selected remedy fails to produce the intended therapeutic response. Often, this is due to an overlooked miasmatic layer, which continues to impede the patient’s curative process. Dr. Banerjea addresses this challenge by presenting a systematic classification of remedies according to their miasmatic weightage, allowing practitioners to fine-tune their prescriptions and overcome clinical stagnation.

This section proves especially useful in cases where:

• A well-matched remedy yields only partial relief or fails to hold its effect.
• A patient relapses frequently, indicating an underlying unresolved miasmatic layer.
• The case presents with complex, multi-miasmatic layers, requiring a sequential or complementary approach.
• A practitioner needs to differentiate between two closely related remedies, considering their miasmatic affinity rather than just symptomatic overlap.

By referring to the miasmatic classification of remedies, a homeopath can identify whether a deeper anti-miasmatic prescription is required, ensuring more profound and lasting results. This approach aligns with Hahnemann’s advanced teachings, where the removal of miasmatic obstacles is essential for true constitutional healing.

I firmly believe that this section holds real utility in daily practice. Whether for refining prescriptions, overcoming therapeutic blocks, or understanding the miasmatic hierarchy of remedies, every serious homeopath should make this chapter a frequent point of reference. The insights here are not just theoretical but clinically transformative, providing practitioners with a powerful tool to navigate complex cases with greater confidence and precision.

Part 7: A Practical Approach to Classical Prescribing – The ‘MTEK’ Method

Though only four pages long, Part 7 of Miasmatic Prescribing is a compact yet powerful guide to classical homeopathic prescribing, offering a structured and mnemonic-based approach that simplifies the complexities of case analysis. In this section, Dr. Subrata Kumar Banerjea introduces the MTEK method—an acronym standing for:

• M – Miasmatic Totality
• T – Totality of Symptoms
• E – Essence
• K – Keynotes

This memory aid serves as an integrated framework, allowing homeopaths to consider miasmatic influences alongside classical symptomatology when selecting a remedy. The MTEK method ensures that practitioners adopt a holistic perspective, balancing the fundamental principles of Hahnemannian homeopathy with a refined understanding of miasmatic layers.

What makes this section particularly valuable is that Dr. Banerjea bridges different modes of prescribing that are prevalent across various homeopathic schools of thought. He skilfully brings together the:

• Miasmatic approach (as emphasized in anti-miasmatic prescribing).
• Totality-based prescribing (the cornerstone of classical homeopathy).
• Essence-based prescribing (popularized in modern constitutional homeopathy).
• Keynote prescribing (frequently employed for acute and short-case prescriptions).

By synthesizing these methodologies into one cohesive approach, he provides a practical roadmap that can be adapted to a wide range of cases—from deep-seated chronic conditions to acute and constitutional cases. This section effectively unites homeopathic philosophy and clinical utility, making it a valuable tool for students, practitioners, and researchers alike.

While brief, Part 7 encapsulates a profound lesson—that homeopathic prescribing is not confined to a single methodology, but rather a harmonized application of principles that must be adapted to each individual case. Every homeopath, whether a student or an experienced practitioner, should take time to study, internalize, and apply the MTEK method, as it offers clarity, precision, and adaptability in day-to-day clinical practice.

Part 9: Mastering Miasmatic Diagnosis at First Glance

One of the most intriguing and practically enriching sections of Miasmatic Prescribing is Part 9, a concise yet profoundly insightful chapter spanning just two pages. In these pages, Dr. Subrata Kumar Banerjea distils decades of clinical observation into an essential guide for instant miasmatic diagnosis based on the patient’s appearance, demeanour, and characteristic attributes—a skill that every homeopath should master.

Imagine this scene: A patient walks into your clinic—a man with thick lips, wearing yellow or other bright colours, an oedematous face, exuding a fishy odour, and carrying himself with an unmistakable air of arrogance and bossy superiority. Without even diving into the case history or repertorisation, an experienced homeopath can already identify the dominant miasmatic influence shaping this individual’s constitution.

This ability to diagnose miasm at a glance is a testament to the depth of miasmatic understanding. Part 9 trains homeopaths in this observational skill, helping them refine their case perception based on physical constitution, behavioural tendencies, and olfactory impressions—elements that often provide more reliable miasmatic clues than verbal case descriptions.

By studying these two concise yet impactful pages, a homeopathic practitioner can develop the art of miasmatic diagnosis, a skill that significantly enhances case analysis, remedy selection, and overall patient management. Dr. Banerjea presents this knowledge in such a way that even a beginner can grasp and apply it immediately, while an experienced practitioner can further fine-tune their observational acumen.

This chapter is a must-read and must-master for every homeopath, as it unlocks a deeper layer of homeopathic practice, where diagnosis is not merely about symptoms but about recognizing the miasmatic imprint in every individual who walks into the clinic.

Final Thoughts – A Must-Read for Every Homeopathic Student and Practitioner

In conclusion, I firmly believe that every homeopathic student must begin with the first part of this book, spanning 39 pages, as it lays the intellectual foundation for understanding miasms. This section encapsulates the core philosophy, historical relevance, and clinical utility of miasms, making it an indispensable starting point for those eager to master this vital aspect of homeopathic prescribing. Once this groundwork is established, readers can progress through the subsequent sections, each of which offers unique pearls of wisdom that bridge homeopathic philosophy with practical application.

Reading this book in 2025 has been a refreshing and intellectually stimulating journey for me—a re-immersion into the world of miasms that has reinforced my appreciation for the depth and precision of homeopathic practice. Even as a practicing homeopath, I found myself revisiting, reflecting upon, and refining my understanding of miasmatic prescribing. This is the hallmark of a truly valuable homeopathic text—one that educates, enlightens, and continues to inspire with each reading.

I wholeheartedly recommend Miasmatic Prescribing to every homeopathic student, practitioner, and educator. The knowledge, wisdom, and clinical insights shared by Dr. Subrata Kumar Banerjea in this book make it an essential addition to every homeopath’s library. From its philosophy and diagnostic classifications to clinical tips, miasmatic repertory, and remedy weightage, this book serves as a comprehensive and practical guide to mastering miasmatic understanding and its application in daily practice.

What was promised on the title cover is now fully understood—this book truly delivers on its commitment to deepening and refining the homeopath’s ability to prescribe with precision and confidence.

Enjoy the read, embrace the wisdom, and elevate your practice!