BOENNINGHAUSEN’S THERAPEUTIC POCKET BOOK
Introduction
Repertory Uses
The art of physician in taking the case
The philosophic Background
Construction of the Repertory
Introduction to different Chapters
– Mind and intellect
– Parts of the Body and Organs
– Sensations and complaints
– Sleep and Dreams
– Fever
– Alterations of State of Health
– Relationships of Remedies
Limitations of Repertory
Use of the Analysis
Preface to the New American Edition
Boenninghausen’s Original Preface
Part II
Repertory Proper
Index
Part. I
Preface by Dr. T.F. Allen
In the preface Dr. T.F. Allen says that his aim is to demonstrate the sound philosophy and practical application of this work to such state as the physician meets in everyday practice.
Boenninghausen observed that, even with best possible case taking the case record is often left incomplete, one of the elements of symptom -ie., Location, sensation, modality or concomitant may be missing. He collected all such symptoms as they appeared in the cases; which came to him for treatment. Every case was examined symptomatically with the purpose to make every symptom as complete in itself as possible. Later he learned that, symptoms which existed in an incomplete state in some part could be completed by observing the conditions of other parts of the case.
This is called the doctrine of Analogy. He also discovered that, condition of aggravation or amelioration are not confined to a particular symptom, but they are like the red thread in the cordage of the British Navy, are applicable to all symptoms of the case. So he raised them (i.e. Particulars) to the level of Generals – It is called the doctrine of grand generalisation. Boenninghausen has designed his pocket book in such a way that, it would enable the physician to bring the symptoms together and complete one part by another.
Primary symptoms: Symptoms which seemed to have a direct bearing on the complaint.
Secondary symptoms : They belong to the class of concomitants.
Typical symptom : Common symptom or disease symptoms
Atypical symptoms :Symptoms, which belong to the individual. They are theconcomitants of disease symptoms.
Philosophic background
It was with the encouragement of Hahnemann, that Boenninghausen developed his first repertory:- Repertory of Antipsorics (1832).
In 1835 he published Repertory of medicines which are not Antipsoric, in 1836 Attempt at showing the relative kinship of Homeopathic medicines and in
1846 he published, Therapeutic manual for Homoeopahtic physicians.
BTP is a combination of all these four books. The original book was written in German, it was first translated by one most eminent Homoeopathic physician. This translation was not practical. Later Alien made an edition; which suffered from faulty translation. Lastly in 1935 this Book was edited by Dr. H.A. Robert and Annie C. Wilson. Boenninghausen emphasized more on completing the symptom with all their components; i.e.
Location
Which includes parts, organs, tissues, systems as well as directions and extensions.
Sensation
Kind of pain, suffering and complaints, and also functional or organic changes characterising the morbid process.
Modality
This includes conditions of aggravation or ameliorations. Factors which cause, excite, increase or decrease or modify a symptom are
included in the modality.
Concomitant
Symptoms appear and disappear with the main complaints; but they does not have any pathological relationship with the main complaints.
BTP is based upon the following fundamental concepts:-
1. Doctrine of analogy and doctrine of grand generalisation
2. Doctrine of concomitant
3. Evaluation of Remedies
4. Concordances
Evaluation of remedies
Boenninghausen was the first to grade the remedies. He noticed that there is difference in the frequency and intensity in the appearance of symptoms in provers. He graded the remedies into 5 grades – or marks.
He used different typography to represent these different grades of remedies.
CAPITAL to represent
1st Grade (5 marks)
Proved (Recorded)
Reproved (confirmed)
Clinically verified.
Bold to represent
2nd Grade (4 marks) Proved (less than the1st grade)
Reproved
(Confirmed) occasionally
Verified.
Italics to reprent
IIIrd Grade (3 marks)
Now and then a prover brings out symptom,
Not confirmed.
But verified
Clinically verified.
Roman to represent
IVth Grade ( 2 marks)
Only clinically verified
(Roman) in paren- thesis represents
Vth Grade
One mark
Not confirmed
Not verified
doubtful remedies.
But proved.
Concordances
He discusses the relationship of remedies; under headings – mind,locality, sensation, glands, bones skin, sleep and dreams, blood, circulation, fever, aggravation, other remedies, antidotes and inimical. Other remedies covers all the symptoms, which do not full into such regulars groups
Plan and construction
The whole book can be divided into 3 components of a symptom – Location, sensation, and modalities. However concomitants are found scattered. Plan of Alien’s modified edition:-
I Mind and Intellect
II PARTS OF THE BODY
III. Sensations and Complaints
1. Sensations — In general
2. Sensations — Glands
3. Sensations — Bones
4. Sensations — Skin
IV Sleep and Dreams
V Fever
VI. Modalities
VII Relationship of remedies.
Introduction to different Chapters
Part II
Mind and Intellect:
Mind Chapter contains 18 rubrics and Intellect Chapter contains 17 rubrics. In order to clarify the use of the book he simplified the number of rubrics as far as possible. Boenninghausen based his work on the concept of the whole man, placing the balance of the emphasis on the value of concomitants and the modalities. It was not his intention to reflect the whole man through his mental reactions, as they may be difficult to get. Eventhough this chapter contains only 35 rubrics the aggravation chapters include 17 rubrics related to emotional excitement or state.
The first rubric “ Disposition generally affected” include medicines which affect the mind in general.
The rubric “ Amativeness” which means inclined towards love and
“ Mistrust” are not seen in kent’s repertory.
Part 2
Parts of the body and organs
This section of the book follows in general the anatomical schema used by Hahnemann. T.F. Allen added many of the rubrics in the eye section. He also used an idea of combining Boenninghausen’s Repertory of the Sides of the Body with the original Pocket Book. This section on the parts of the body runs from page 24 to page 142, beginning with Chapter Internal Head and ending with Lower Extremities.
1. Internal Head:
The chapter begins with rubric- “ In general”.
Next different portions of head are given as rubrics- as
ForeheadTemplesSides of headVertexOcciput
The chapter ends with the rubric – One sided in general
There is no definite order of arrangement of the rubrics.
2. External Head:
Rubrics
HairScalpSkullBeardMargins of hair
Are given in the chapter “ External Head”
Misplaced rubrics
a) Motion of Head
b) General sensations in External Head
c) Behind the Ears
The first two rubrics should have been given in the chapter “sensations” and the third one in the “ear” chapter.
The chapter “External Head” ends in the page number 29, in which the Chapter “ Internal Head” again begins. This contains only two rubrics – “Left side and Right side.” The Chapter “External Head” is seen again with same rubrics in the page 30 where the second Chapter on “Internal Head” ends.
3. Eyes:
It contains rubrics like
Aqueous humorEye ballsChoroidConjunctivaCorneaLachrymal apparatusLens (Cataract)Optic nerveRetinaWhite of eye (sclerotic)BrowsCanthiLidsOrbitsSides- left and right
Misplaced rubrics:
Adhesions in pupilsPupils DilatedPupils ImmovableLachrymationSquintingStaring
They should have been given under the Chapter “ Sensations”
4. Vision:
Here Boenninghausen is deviated from his original Philosophy. “ Vision” which is a Sensation is given as a separate chapter among the parts of the body.
All the rubrics in this chapter and the Chapter as such can be considered as Misplaced.
Main rubrics in this Chapter include:
BlindnessFlickeringDoubleHalf visionMuscae VolitantesDimFar-sightedParalysis of Optic NervePhotophobiaShort –sighted
5. Ears:
This includes rubrics like;
ExternalInternalMiddle ear ( confounded with Internal)Eustachian TubeLobules
Misplaced rubrics:
a) Parotid Glands- this might have been given under the Chapter Face
b) Discharges from Ears –
c) Ear-wax-
The last two rubrics might have been given under the Chapter Sensations according to the Philosophy of Boenninghausen.
6. Hearing :
It include rubrics like:
AcuteHardnessLoss of Hearing ( from Paralysis of Auditory Nerve)Stopped Feeling ; etc
The Chapter along with its rubrics are out of place in the “Parts of the Body”. They should have been given under the “Sensations”.
7. Nose:
External InternalBonesRootSeptumWings , etc are the main rubrics concerning the nose. But this Chapter contains many rubrics concerned with the sensations and complaints. They areNose bleedNasal catarrhStopped CoryzaNasal DischargesSneezingIneffectual efforts to sneeze
The Chapter ends with Concomitants that are condensed into a single rubric – “Accompanying Symptoms of Nasal Discharges” and sides of nose “ Left side and Right side”
8.Smell:
This include rubrics
SensitiveWeak or LostIllusions of Smell in General
The Chapter along with its rubrics should have been in Sensation Chapter.
9. Face:
The objective symptom that may be observed in the face is given first. Followed by locations of sensations.
The important rubrics include:
Color – Bluish – Around EyesColor- paleCircumscribed Redness of CheeksComedonesDrawnEmaciationExpression AlteredEyes protrudingEyes- SunkenFrecklesOpen mouthWrinkles – On forehead
The typography of Locations of sensations are given as a separate Chapter this may create confusion among the users.
This include
ForeheadTemplesMalar bonesCheekUpper JawLower jawArticulation of JawsLipsCorners of lipsChin
And finally the Sides- Left and Right
10. Teeth:
It begins with “Toothache in General”
Followed by different types of tooth namely,
IncisorsEye teeth = Canine teethMolarsGums ( in Kent gums are given under Mouth Chapter )
Misplaced rubrics:
Hollow teeth = Caries of teeth
Teeth- Grinding
11. Mouth:
Misplaced rubrics include ( it should have been included under Sensations)
Odor from MouthBreath coldBreath hotSaliva diminishedSaliva increasedTongue coated
The other rubrics include
Mouth in General
Tongue
Hard palate
Soft palate
12. Throat:
It include only the internal throat
Tonsils are given under throat
13. Mouth and fauces:
The Chapter on Mouth which ends on the page 64 again start on the page 65 as – Mouth and fauces in which the Sides ; Left and Right are given.
14. Hunger and Thirst:
This chapter should not have been given under the Heading of Parts of the Body. This might have been given as a separate Chapter or along with the Sensations.
The important rubrics include
Loss of appetite
Hunger
Thirst
Aversion and
Desires
15. Taste:
This include rubrics like
Altered in General
Acid
Bitter
Metallic
Nauseous
Salty
Sweetish
Lost
Taste being a special sensation; it along with its rubrics should be given in the Sensation Chapter.
16. Eructation’s:
Belching
Hiccough
Uprisings
Waterbrash
Etc are given in this Chapter. The chapter as well as its rubrics is misplaced.
17. Nausea and Vomiting:
This include
Nausea in General
Qualmishness
Retching
Loathing
Vomiting and nature of vomiting
18. Internal Abdomen:
Stomach
Diaphragm
Hypochondria
Liver
Spleen
Epigastrium
Umbilical region
Loins
Groins ( including Coecum, coecal region, ilio- coecal region, iliac region and Pourpart’s Ligament )
Inguinal Rings
Sides
Are given in Internal Abdomen.
In this the Loins are again given in the Extremities on Page 135
Hernia is the only one Misplaced rubric.
19. External Abdomen:
Pit of stomach
Mons Veneris
Inguinal glands
Are given under External Abdomen
20. Abdomen :
The sides of Abdomen are mentioned in this separate Chapter which appears on the page number 81.
21 and 22 . Hypochondria and Abdominal rings
These two chapters are mentioned as different chapters in the pages 82 and 83 respectively only to mention Left and Right sides.
23. Flatulence:
Flatulence in General
Borborygmi
Incarceration of Flatus
Are given in this Misplaced Chapter
24. Stool:
This chapter contains the following misplaced rubrics
DiarrhoeaConstipationWormsRound wormsTape wormsThread wormsTenesmusAnusHaemorrhoidsRectumPerineum
This chapter also includes certain concomitant symptoms like
Troubles before stool
During stool
After stool
25. Urinary Organs:
Kidney
Bladder
Urethra
Are given in this chapter
Prostate is given in this chapter which is a misplaced rubric
26. Urine:
Glycosuria can be taken for Diabetes Mellitus
Sediment in general can be used for urinary calculi
27. Micturition:
Tenesmus of bladder
Dysuria
Involuntary
Retention of urine etc are some important misplaced rubrics
Some concomitant rubrics are also given
Troubles before Micturition
-During Micturition
-After Micturition
28. Sexual Organs:
The chapter starts with the rubric Sexual Organs in General , followed by Male Organs in General. It is followed by different parts of the Male genitalia –, Testicles Penis, Glans, Forskin, Scrotum and spermatic cord. The chapter also include rubrics for female Organs in General. Vagina, Uterus, Ovaries are given as separate rubrics.
29. Menstruation
The chapter as well as the rubrics are out of place in this Main Chapter Parts of the body. The main rubrics include
Abortion
Menstruation Beginning , Delayed in Girls
-profuse
-scanty
-short
-suppressed
Menses clotted
-Membranous
The concomitants of Menstruation are given at the end of the chapter
Before Menstruation
At Beginning of Menstruation
During Menstruation
After Menstruation
30. Leucorrhoea:
Various types of leucorrhoea and Accompanying Troubles of Leucorrhoea are given in this chapter.
31. Respiration:
It include important rubrics like
Arrested
Catching
Irregular
Oppressed
Rattling
Sighing
Suffocative Attacks
Concomitants of respiration are given in a single rubric
Accompanying Troubles of Respiration
32. Cough:
There is no separate chapter for Expectoration hence rubrics concerned with the Expectoration are given in this chapter. Chapter also include concomitant of cough which is given as last rubric – Troubles Associated with Cough.
33. Air-Passages:
It includes
Larynx &
Trachea
Some misplaced rubrics are found in this chapter
Secretion of Mucus
Voice not Clear
-Hoarse
-Lost
-Toneless
34. External Throat and Neck:
Throat External
Nape
Cervical and Submaxillary Glands &
Thyroid Gland etc are given in this chapter.
35. Nape and Nape of Neck:
This chapter includes only the sides Left and Right.
36. Chest:
Misplaced rubrics include
Palpitation
Heart’s action intermittent
– Tremulous
Milk Bad
– Increased
– Diminished
37. Back:
Scapulae
Dorsal region
Lumbar and sacral region
Coccyx
And finally sides
– Left and Right are given
38. Upper Extremities:
It include
Shoulder
Axilla ( in kent’s Repertory it is included under the chapter Chest)
Upper Arm
Forearm
Hand
Palm
Fingers
Nails
Shoulder Joint
Elbow
Wrist
Bones of upper extremities in general
Sides- Left and right.
39. Lower Extremities:
Loins ( Region of Hips) – Another rubric Loin is given under the External Abdomen Chapter , but here it is specified.
Other rubrics include
Nates
Thigh
Leg below knee
Tibia
Calf
Tendo Achillis
Heel
Back of Foot
Sole
Toes
Nails
Joints of Lower Extremities in General
Hip-Joint
Knee
Knee- Hollow of
Patella
Ankle
Toe – Joint
Bones of Lower Extremities in General
Left &
Right sides
Part 3 Sensations:
It include rubrics related to various Complaints also, hence Boger has renamed this chapter as Sensations and Complaints in General.
Part 4 Sleep:
This chapter include sleep in general , positions during sleep, and dreams. The last two are given as separate chapters.
Important rubrics to note are;
Yawning
Sleep Comatose
Sleep Somnambulistic
Sleep Unrefreshing
Symptoms Causing Sleeplessness
Dreams Pleasant, of Gold ( this should be interpreted as dreams of
money)
Dreams of Love ( = dreams Amorous)
Part 5 Fever
From the page 250 to 252 the top heading is circulation, from page 253 it is changed to Fever.
This chapter includes
Circulation
Chilliness in general
Heat
Coldness in general
Shivering in general
Sweat in general
Compound Fevers in General
Though Circulation is given as a separate chapter it is included under the Fever Chapter. The old Edition contain these seven sub- sections.
Part 6 Alterations of the state of Health
Aggravation:
First the time modalities are given, specific time modalities are not given. It include the following rubrics
During Day
Morning
Forenoon
At noon
Afternoon
Evening
Night
Part 7 Relationship of remedies
Uses of relationship chapter
Inthe earlier editions the name of this chapter was Concordance of Remedies.
This chapter contains relation ship of 141 Medicines.
1. It can be used for studying the relationship of remedies at various levels- mind, parts, sensation, modalities .
2. It is helpful for finding out the second prescription
3. In certain cases a deep acting medicine cannot be given eventhough indicated, so as to avoid unwanted precipitation of adverse symptoms.
Method of working
When the indicated medicine has helped a little and when there is no further improvement this section can be referred to find out a close medicine which would help the patient.
Under that medicine( first prescription) refer the sub-heading which could be the main complaint of the patient and use it as first rubric. Next take the Mind and all other sub headings one after another. The first rubric can taken as an eliminating rubric. Those medicines with higher marks (3,4,5 marks) are taken for further repertorisation.
Advantage of BTPB
· It is based upon the concept of complete symptom- location, sensation, modality, and concomitant.
· It follows more or less an anatomical schema which is helpful for finding the rubrics.
· By applying the ‘Doctrine of analogy’ rubric can be completed, even though there is lack of any of the four parts of the symptom.
· Five gradations of medicines are one of the unique contribution of Boenninghausen.
· This repertory has given more importance to concomitant symptoms than Kent’s repertory.
· Modalities are given under separate section.
· Ameliorations are also given more importance than Kent’s repertory.
· This repertory is useful in working out cases which are full of particulars and which contain few mental generals and physical generals.
· Cases manifested by pathological changes and objective symptoms can better dealt by BTPB.Rubrics are given in simple language.
· Chapter ‘relationship of remedies’ is helpful for finding the second prescription.The sides of the body are given importance, they are mentioned in location chapter.
·
Disadvantage of BTPB
· It deals with only 342 remedies.
· Boenninghausen’s original edition contained 126 remedies.
· Allen dropped 4 remedies ( Angustra, Magnetis Polus Articus, Magnetis Polus Australius, Magnetis Poli Umbo) and added 220 remedies.
· The rubrics given in the book are not many in number.Many of the rubrics lack important medicines-desire for salt – Natrum mur is not mentioned.
· Mind section contains only 18 rubrics under ‘mind’ and 17 rubrics under intellect.
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