Reviewed by Prof. Dr. Khanaj Vidyadhar R.
Author. – Dr. Anil Singhal M.D. (Hom.) New Delhi.
“The greatest part of a writer’s time is spent in reading, in order to write; a man will turn over half a library to make one book.” —Samuel Johnson.
Boger’s Legacy & Augmenting the Synoptic Key’s Repertory, book has beautifully authored by Dr.Anil Singhal with lots of references from many stalwarts and foreword by Dr. M.P.Arya a most senior Homoeopath and eminent Repertorian of India. As we all know that very few stalwarts worked on Boenningahusen’s and Boger’s literature. Boger’s Legacy is all about inspirational and very exhaustive work on Boger’s monumental contribution both practical as well as theoretical points of view. First time after good research in Homoeopathic history, he has unwrapped lot of information about Dr. Cyrus Maxwell Boger. In author’s words, this book is a manifestation of years of dedicated exploration and research, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of Boger’s thought process, methodologies and the evolution of his essential texts- the Boenningahusen’s characteristics and repertory and synoptic key.
Dr. Anil Singhal is a practicing Homoeopath from New Delhi. He is also working as visiting faculty at many Homoeopathic medical colleges surrounding New Delhi. He is receiver of Lifetime Achievement Award. My first opinion after opening this book was, after long time a good book on Dr. Boger and his contribution for Homeopathy has come in the market. Only after going through the Acknowledgement, preface and foreword one will get idea of about author’s hard work.
The author has divided the book in 5 topics.
- Boger’s Journey: The Making of a Homeopathy Legend. – Topic contains lots of information, starting from Boger’s Journey as his early life & education. Details of his Homoeopathic contribution, his personal and academic life, his role in I.H.A. and last days where author explored about cause of death, author gave editorial which were published in issue of I.H.A. after the death of Dr. Boger, which is very heart touching and guides us through the multi-faceted landscape of Boger’s life & legacy.
- Boenningahusen’s Repertory
The foundation of Boger’s Legacy. – Boenningahusen’s early work especially Repertory of Antipsoric medicine was prepared and published by Dr. Boenninghasen according to guidance of Master Hahnemann. As we know Dr. Boger was close follower of Dr. Boenninghasen, to stop criticism on Boenningahusen’s work he decided to work on Boenningahusen’s repertory with Particularization. Which gave birth to BBCR- an extensive compilation that forever changed Homeopathic discourse? After the death of Boger his wife took lead and because of her efforts different Indian editions came in market.
In this chapter author explored BBCR and shows its practical utility. Comparisons as previous method of working and deeper understanding of Boger’s method of working as most practical philosophy of Homoeopathic practice i.e. considering time- dimension, tissue affinities and pathological generals. On page no.65 author explored about theory of pathological generals and writes that, by doing so Boger bridged the gap between classical Homeopathic Principles and emerging discoveries in cellular pathology, further enriching the practice of Homoeopathy. This philosophical point I liked most and was challenge to Dr. Boger when there were many how were following Kentian philosophy. While doing this author has beautifully correlated references of Dr. Boger’s other work like “The study of Materia Medica and taking the case” General Analysis, Studies in philosophy of healing, Time of Remedies & Moon Phases and also important remarks of legends of Indian Homoeopathy etc. in short author proved that how Boger’s work is rooted on Boenningahusen’s repertory. I am very impressed by author’s contribution for the cause of Homeopathy. This book is became a boon for teachers, students, interns, Post graduate students, and also the practitioners which will prove as source book. I feel this book “Boger’s Legacy” must find a place in the every college library.
- The synoptic key: the apex of Boger’s Legacy. – According to author this is Dr. Boger’s Genius. When Homeopaths started adding pages and pages in Repertory as well as Materia Medica books he published very short book as synopsis of some of the remedies and way of studying it analytically.
This topic includes important subtopics like Boger’s balancing act; Generalization & Practicality. Boger’s methodical Precision: ensuring quality, reflections in BSK from 5th & 6th edition and also its evolution, Boger’s approach of case studies. Relation with BBCR & General Analysis.
- Augmenting the synoptic Key’s Repertory: proposing new additions. – explained the enhancement of BSK-6th, identifying the absent remedies, clinical asseement and community validation, proposed remedies for additions. Author ended his book with Last part i.e. Homeopathy timeline of Boger’s Legacy.
I wish the best for further development of Synoptic key to Materia Medica & Repertory.
At the end author added very interesting massage to readers, stating our role in advancing Boger’s Legacy. (In authors words with the insights and wisdom gleaned from Boger’s unparalleled work, you are now part of a tradition and a future filled with limitless possilities. Embrace the legacy, explore the paths not yet taken and contribute to the ever- evolving world of Homoeopathy)
Reviewed by.
Prof. Dr. Khanaj Vidyadhar R.
P.G. & PhD Guide.
Prof. Late Mrs. Housabai Homeopathic
Medical college & Hospital, Nimshirgaon, -Kolhapur.
Author – books on Repertory. vkhanaj@rediffmail.com
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