An Index of Aggravations and Ameliorations by Neatby

Book review by Dr C Abdul Gafoor. BHMS,MD(Hom)

Author: Edwin. A.Neatby, M.D and Thomas George Stonham, M.D. London
Reprinted from ‘A manual of Homoeo therapeutics’
Publishers: B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi
Printers: J .J Offset printers, New Delhi
Reprint Edition : 1993
Price : Rs: 10

Contents: 

1. Forward
2. Explanatory notes
3. How to use the book
4. Rubrics

Forward by J.N.Kanjilal, who made the necessary arrangements to republish the book

Explanatory notes:
The plan adopted in the book is such that all the drugs which generally aggravate or ameliorate the symptoms of the patient if given under the heading (G) and those that affect him in single part or function under the heading (P). A drug appearing under ( G) is repeated under (P) when the aggravation or amelioration produced by it in the particular symptom is well marked on the other hand if not repeated in (P) does not mean that the drug does not affect that symptom, as the drugs given under (G) is having general application .

Exceptions are there in (P) of the amelioration for example
Cold application, cold bathing Agg-(G)-Causticum – is there but not mentioned any where in the rubric under aggravation (P).But in amelioration (P) there is one rubric – Face ( eruption on ) – where Causticum is the only medicine given. Similarly under amelioration (G) Argentum nitricum is mentioned which is repeated under amelioration(P), here the general feature of amelioration from cold application of Argentum Nitricum is well marked in eyes. The term aggravation has been used in vague manner. Conditions of causation as well as aggravation of the existing symptom are considered under aggravation

How to use the book:
To find a remedy for a patient whose cough is relieved by cold air look up the section – Air – cold, then see the amelioration and under ‘P’ look for cough. The medicines are cocc.c, spongia . Here if there is a need of a wider choice of the medicines the drugs given under Amel. ‘G’ is to be considered though less strongly indicated than the two remedies given under the specific rubric.

Merits:
1. This book is of immense value in aetiological prescription as well as in the cases with definite modalities .
2. Selection of medicine is easier as there is limited number of well proved drugs
3. Charecteristic modifications of certain drugs to the given symptom are given in brackets after the corresponding drug , so that easy differentiation can be made
For eg.Air open agg. (P)
Skin; led( burning pain)
Rubbing Amel (G) ; Calc(light), Puls(hard)
4. The book is very small ,easy to handle and cost effective

Demerits:
1. No grading of remedies given
2. Only small group of medicines are given Eg.Riding in carriage – 8 remedies are given such as Arnica, beriberis, cocculus, petroleum, psorinum, rhus.t., thuja and zinc.m. In kents repertory there are large number of medicines with coccul, petr.,sepia, as 1st grade remedies. Sepia is not given in this book
3. Medicines coming under particulars are not mentioned in the general rubric eg; Riding in a carriage Agg. (P) stomach pain- lyco. and puls. Are the remedies which are not mentioned in the general rubric .
4. Index of remedies are not given
5. Abbreviations of medicines not written

Conclusion:
It is a useful work for easy and ready reference in daily practice.This book enables us to select the correct medicine from the common well proved drugs so that the chance of error is minimum. The defect is that the choice of selection is very much narrowed as the represented medicines are few in number