Insights Into Homoeopathy Beaconsfield Homoeopathic Library
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English
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Paperback
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Beaconsfield
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The purpose of this book is to show that it is possible to subject homoeopathy to the same standards of intellectual scrutiny that apply to any other branch of medicine.
The author begins by explaining this specialty as it first confronts the conventionally-trained mind, and follows with an analysis of the extraordinary contribution made by its founder, Dr Samuel Hahnemann, to modern medicine. There are several chapters on the use of homoeopathy in psychiatry, in which Dr Bodman had much experience. He then discusses the homoeopathic management of a wide variety of clinical conditions, including allergy - the area where research during the 1980s has demonstrated the effectiveness of the microdose. He concludes with a discussion of the reasoning that lies behind research into homoeopathy.
Dr Frank Bodman qualified in medicine at Bristol University in 1922 and soon afterwards took a house appointment at the London Homoeopathic Hospital. After some years in general practice he was appointed physician to the Bristol Homoeopathic Hospital, beginning an association that was to last his lifetime. He was instrumental in the negotiations that resulted in the incorporation of homoeopathy within the British National Health Service, and was elected President of the Faculty of Homoeopathy from 1955 to 1957. He was also qualified in psychological medicine, and his interest in this field led him to pursue a parallel career as a consultant psychiatrist, with particular involvement in child guidance and the problems of juvenile delinquency.
'The possibility of achieving a lasting cure is squarely counterpoised to the palliative aim of much orthodox drugging. ...It is clear that the author has not just read, but studied and considered carefully the meaning of Hahnemann's writings.'
The Homoeopath
| ISBN | 9780906584286 |
|---|---|
| Author | Frank Bodman |
| Type | Paperback |
| Language | English |
| Publication Date | 1990-03 |
| Pages | 119 |
| Publisher | Beaconsfield |
| Review | This book review is reprinted from The Homoeopath with permission from Nick Churchill of The Society of Homoeopaths. In this slim volume Dr Anita Davies and the late Dr Robin Pinsent present published and unpublished writings of Dr Frank Bodman MD DPM FFHom. Dr Bodman qualified in Medicine at Bristol University in 1922. He was for some time a resident at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and after some years in general practice was appointed to the staff of the Bristol Homoeopathic Hospital. He was president of the Faculty from 1955 to 1957 and practised as a consultant psychiatrist. His published writings span the years from 1925 to 1972 and are divided equally between psychiatry and homoeopathy. The Editors sensitively allow Dr Bodman to speak through the papers presented and I feel that they have achieved their aim of distilling the philosophy and practice of someone who was obviously a respected colleague. Their second aim - introducing 'homoeopathy as it is practised today to orthodox medical practitioners whose minds remain open to new ideas' - may not be so successfully achieved. It is Dr Bodman's stature as a meticulous researcher and scientist, and the conclusions he presents from his work which are intended to serve this function. It is, at best, achieved only partially. His comprehensive reference lists are referred to in the preface but not in this slim volume. In the opening chapters we are introduced too the author's reasons for taking up the study of homoeopathy where he is clearly impressed with the enlarging the scope of treatable illnesses, having previously accepted from his teachers a 'therapeutic nihilism'. The possibility of achieving a lasting cure is squarely counterposed to the palliative aim of much orthodox drugging. The emphasis which the homoeopathic method places on the individual is stressed and the unity of mind and body is underscored in his appreciation of a truly psychosomatic medicine. One of Dr Bodman's strengths is in presenting Hahnemann's quest. One senses some fellow-feeling here and of great appreciation for Hahnemann's careful and systematic work. He is at ease in presenting Hahnemann's ideas in a historical context, describing the personal and scientific influences which moulded his thinking. There is appreciation for his sensitivity in dealing with the insane and the reasons for a return to the enlightened medical empiricism of Hippocratism. There is a useful sketch of the introduction of homoeopathy into Britain, and of Quin's diplomatic approach. The latter's diplomacy eventually necessitated challenging a Dr Paris, one time Censor of the Royal College of Physician, to a duel. The fact is reported here, though the story is more amusingly told elsewhere! An undercurrent in the presentation of the material is how to broach the evidence of the efficacy of homoeopathy with orthodox colleagues. It is clear that the author has not just read, but studied and considered carefully the meaning of Hahnemann's writings. He uses the details of Hering's Guiding Symptoms in order to understand the importance of the concept of the constitution. Is it the characteristics of the person on whom a remedy will act, or the mental and emotional changes brought about by the remedy in a prover? Thus early chapters could have served as a useful basis from which to evaluate the individual as the basis of homoeopathic treatment. It appears, however, that the seduction of the orthodox diagnosis is not so easily escaped. In chapters on general, child and geriatric psychiatry as well as those which deal with specific named diseases, it becomes more and more difficult to discern the voice of the individual patient and the suitability adapted individualized remedy in harmony. Sulphuris described as a 'deep remedy' when succeeding after a series of unsuccessful prescriptions - no mention of its correspondence to the case-history. Some disorders are given with lists of the most frequently indicated remedies. This is not done without some thought for the individual, but the diagnostic label speaks most loudly. The chapter on the therapeutics of haemorrhoids brings a return to the question of specifics in a much more allopathic form. To return to the Editors' stated aim of introducing homoeopathy 'as it is practiced today' one must say that there is little -that echoes a Vithoulkas, or a Sankaran in these pages save in the diligence of ground work. The implications drawn for practice are quite different. The book does, I feel, provide an insight into the man and his practice and it might be possible to extrapolate from that to say that it provides an insight, too, into the general trend of homoeopathy as it is taught and practised within the faculty. As a view of homoeopathy - the science and the art - it is at best fragmentary. The tension between the individualizing emphasis of homoeopathy and the generalisations which represent the diagnosis is represented, but not resolved. In common with many compilations of published papers, the book lacks focus and direction. For these reasons it is ultimately unsatisfying and fails to do justice to its title. The Homoeopath Vol.10 No.3 1990 This book review is reprinted with the permission of the National Center for Homeopathy Beaconsfield Publishers have made a speciality of publishing collections of the work of distinguished deceased homeopaths. Their list includes not only the new collection of the writings of Elizabeth Wright Hubbard, but also Douglas Borland's Homoeopathy in Practice (1982 and reprinted in 1988), Classical Homoeopathy by Margery Blackie (1986), and the weighty 537 page classic Studies of Homoeopathic Remedies by Douglas Gibson, (1987). The translation from the French of O.A. Julian's even more weighty 650 page Materia Medica of New Homoeopathic Remedies (1979) has gone into paperback and remained in print. Indeed most of their subsequent publications are in a high quality well bound paperback format with a distinctive and elegant cover design. It is to be hoped that they will also encourage a new generation of young living writers to put pen to paper. Dr Frank Bodman was trained in orthodox medicine and psychiatry in addition to becoming a homeopathic physician. His major practice was in Bristol. His father had also been a homeopath and he inherited a rich tradition and developed an enquiring and scholarly mind richly demonstrated in this slim volume. His middle name "Hervey" may have been after Frederick Foster Hervey Quin, who introduced homeopathy to England in the 19th century, and is the subject of one of the essays in the book. Other essays written by Bodman are about Hahnemann (included) and about Provers (omitted). He achieves a detachment in these essays on historical and clinical subjects, including three remarkable essays on psychiatry. Bodman was involved in preserving homeopathy against the onslaught of the National Health Service after the war. Some of my information comes from an interesting (and anonymous) biographical sketch in the British Homoeopathic Journal mentioned by the editors in their introduction, which since they knew of it, also should have been included in the present volume. When I read books I always go to the footnotes and the bibliography as I read and even before I read. This leads me to notice the works consulted by the author, and to seek them out and read them also. One way in which as a newcomer to homeopathy I was able to find my way about was to read issues of The British Homoeopathic journal, note the references and then find the original articles and books. This way one can follow the development of ideas. Bodman recognized this and his original articles were full of footnotes and references which displayed his erudition. His original work is embedded in a matrix composed of the thoughts and writings of doctors and scientists in many disciplines - few can have read so widely and selected so critically. Those embarking on a career in homeopathy may wish to study his writings in fuller detail. What then can have possessed his editors, whose stated aims "has been to introduce homeopathy as it is practised today to orthodox medical practitioners" to omit the notes which do so much to demonstrate the scholarly and scientific approach to our subject, the very antidote to anecdotal evidence. There is a bibliography of Bodman's writings included but it appears that the titles of the essays have been changed so it is not possible easily to relate this to the essays in the book, but it is clearly incomplete. The editors go most of the way towards their objectives and Bodman's qualities shine out. It is a pity the work is so slim as there is so much more that Bodman wrote. The publishers may consider searching for essays by his father for inclusion in a fully footnoted future edition! At the risk of appearing to be a pedant, one further criticism of what I must emphasize are fascinating and valuable new books is a small but important technical point. There is a style of binomial nomenclature for remedies based on the monumental Kent Repertory, the major symptom index used by homeopaths, followed by Stephenson in his Hahnemannian Provings 1924-59, Barthel and Klunker in their Synthetic Repertory, and Kunzli in his Repertorium Generale. It is the norm in pharmacy and internationally read journals like the British Homoeopathic Journal, the Homoeopath and computer repertories. Remedies are cited either in the full Latin with the second part in lower case or a standardized abbreviation. I regret that this is not followed by Beaconsfield who prefer their own system. I may be fussy or fastidious on this point and I welcome responses from colleagues. The best response is to read the books and suggest them to your colleagues so that second editions are required! Francis Treuherz, RSHom, is a Director of the Society of Homoeopaths, editor of the Homoeopath, with a practice in London. His other interests in homeopathy include collecting old books, teaching, and computer software. A slightly different version of this review appeared in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. HOMEOPATHY TODAY DECEMBER 1990 |
Review
This book review is reprinted from The Homoeopath with permission from Nick Churchill of The Society of Homoeopaths.
Reviewed by Bob Fordham
In this slim volume Dr Anita Davies and the late Dr Robin Pinsent present published and unpublished writings of Dr Frank Bodman MD DPM FFHom.
Dr Bodman qualified in Medicine at Bristol University in 1922. He was for some time a resident at the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital and after some years in general practice was appointed to the staff of the Bristol Homoeopathic Hospital. He was president of the Faculty from 1955 to 1957 and practised as a consultant psychiatrist. His published writings span the years from 1925 to 1972 and are divided equally between psychiatry and homoeopathy.
The Editors sensitively allow Dr Bodman to speak through the papers presented and I feel that they have achieved their aim of distilling the philosophy and practice of someone who was obviously a respected colleague. Their second aim - introducing 'homoeopathy as it is practised today to orthodox medical practitioners whose minds remain open to new ideas' - may not be so successfully achieved. It is Dr Bodman's stature as a meticulous researcher and scientist, and the conclusions he presents from his work which are intended to serve this function. It is, at best, achieved only partially. His comprehensive reference lists are referred to in the preface but not in this slim volume.
In the opening chapters we are introduced too the author's reasons for taking up the study of homoeopathy where he is clearly impressed with the enlarging the scope of treatable illnesses, having previously accepted from his teachers a 'therapeutic nihilism'. The possibility of achieving a lasting cure is squarely counterposed to the palliative aim of much orthodox drugging. The emphasis which the homoeopathic method places on the individual is stressed and the unity of mind and body is underscored in his appreciation of a truly psychosomatic medicine.
One of Dr Bodman's strengths is in presenting Hahnemann's quest. One senses some fellow-feeling here and of great appreciation for Hahnemann's careful and systematic work. He is at ease in presenting Hahnemann's ideas in a historical context, describing the personal and scientific influences which moulded his thinking. There is appreciation for his sensitivity in dealing with the insane and the reasons for a return to the enlightened medical empiricism of Hippocratism.
There is a useful sketch of the introduction of homoeopathy into Britain, and of Quin's diplomatic approach. The latter's diplomacy eventually necessitated challenging a Dr Paris, one time Censor of the Royal College of Physician, to a duel. The fact is reported here, though the story is more amusingly told elsewhere! An undercurrent in the presentation of the material is how to broach the evidence of the efficacy of homoeopathy with orthodox colleagues.
It is clear that the author has not just read, but studied and considered carefully the meaning of Hahnemann's writings. He uses the details of Hering's Guiding Symptoms in order to understand the importance of the concept of the constitution. Is it the characteristics of the person on whom a remedy will act, or the mental and emotional changes brought about by the remedy in a prover?
Thus early chapters could have served as a useful basis from which to evaluate the individual as the basis of homoeopathic treatment. It appears, however, that the seduction of the orthodox diagnosis is not so easily escaped. In chapters on general, child and geriatric psychiatry as well as those which deal with specific named diseases, it becomes more and more difficult to discern the voice of the individual patient and the suitability adapted individualized remedy in harmony. Sulphuris described as a 'deep remedy' when succeeding after a series of unsuccessful prescriptions - no mention of its correspondence to the case-history. Some disorders are given with lists of the most frequently indicated remedies. This is not done without some thought for the individual, but the diagnostic label speaks most loudly. The chapter on the therapeutics of haemorrhoids brings a return to the question of specifics in a much more allopathic form.
To return to the Editors' stated aim of introducing homoeopathy 'as it is practiced today' one must say that there is little -that echoes a Vithoulkas, or a Sankaran in these pages save in the diligence of ground work. The implications drawn for practice are quite different. The book does, I feel, provide an insight into the man and his practice and it might be possible to extrapolate from that to say that it provides an insight, too, into the general trend of homoeopathy as it is taught and practised within the faculty. As a view of homoeopathy - the science and the art - it is at best fragmentary. The tension between the individualizing emphasis of homoeopathy and the generalisations which represent the diagnosis is represented, but not resolved. In common with many compilations of published papers, the book lacks focus and direction. For these reasons it is ultimately unsatisfying and fails to do justice to its title.
The Homoeopath Vol.10 No.3 1990
This book review is reprinted with the permission of the National Center for Homeopathy
reviewed by Francis Treuherz
Beaconsfield Publishers have made a speciality of publishing collections of the work of distinguished deceased homeopaths. Their list includes not only the new collection of the writings of Elizabeth Wright Hubbard, but also Douglas Borland's Homoeopathy in Practice (1982 and reprinted in 1988), Classical Homoeopathy by Margery Blackie (1986), and the weighty 537 page classic Studies of Homoeopathic Remedies by Douglas Gibson, (1987). The translation from the French of O.A. Julian's even more weighty 650 page Materia Medica of New Homoeopathic Remedies (1979) has gone into paperback and remained in print. Indeed most of their subsequent publications are in a high quality well bound paperback format with a distinctive and elegant cover design. It is to be hoped that they will also encourage a new generation of young living writers to put pen to paper.
Dr Frank Bodman was trained in orthodox medicine and psychiatry in addition to becoming a homeopathic physician. His major practice was in Bristol. His father had also been a homeopath and he inherited a rich tradition and developed an enquiring and scholarly mind richly demonstrated in this slim volume. His middle name "Hervey" may have been after Frederick Foster Hervey Quin, who introduced homeopathy to England in the 19th century, and is the subject of one of the essays in the book. Other essays written by Bodman are about Hahnemann (included) and about Provers (omitted). He achieves a detachment in these essays on historical and clinical subjects, including three remarkable essays on psychiatry.
Bodman was involved in preserving homeopathy against the onslaught of the National Health Service after the war. Some of my information comes from an interesting (and anonymous) biographical sketch in the British Homoeopathic Journal mentioned by the editors in their introduction, which since they knew of it, also should have been included in the present volume.
When I read books I always go to the footnotes and the bibliography as I read and even before I read. This leads me to notice the works consulted by the author, and to seek them out and read them also. One way in which as a newcomer to homeopathy I was able to find my way about was to read issues of The British Homoeopathic journal, note the references and then find the original articles and books. This way one can follow the development of ideas. Bodman recognized this and his original articles were full of footnotes and references which displayed his erudition. His original work is embedded in a matrix composed of the thoughts and writings of doctors and scientists in many disciplines - few can have read so widely and selected so critically. Those embarking on a career in homeopathy may wish to study his writings in fuller detail. What then can have possessed his editors, whose stated aims "has been to introduce homeopathy as it is practised today to orthodox medical practitioners" to omit the notes which do so much to demonstrate the scholarly and scientific approach to our subject, the very antidote to anecdotal evidence. There is a bibliography of Bodman's writings included but it appears that the titles of the essays have been changed so it is not possible easily to relate this to the essays in the book, but it is clearly incomplete.
The editors go most of the way towards their objectives and Bodman's qualities shine out. It is a pity the work is so slim as there is so much more that Bodman wrote. The publishers may consider searching for essays by his father for inclusion in a fully footnoted future edition!
At the risk of appearing to be a pedant, one further criticism of what I must emphasize are fascinating and valuable new books is a small but important technical point. There is a style of binomial nomenclature for remedies based on the monumental Kent Repertory, the major symptom index used by homeopaths, followed by Stephenson in his Hahnemannian Provings 1924-59, Barthel and Klunker in their Synthetic Repertory, and Kunzli in his Repertorium Generale. It is the norm in pharmacy and internationally read journals like the British Homoeopathic Journal, the Homoeopath and computer repertories. Remedies are cited either in the full Latin with the second part in lower case or a standardized abbreviation. I regret that this is not followed by Beaconsfield who prefer their own system. I may be fussy or fastidious on this point and I welcome responses from colleagues. The best response is to read the books and suggest them to your colleagues so that second editions are required!
Francis Treuherz, RSHom, is a Director of the Society of Homoeopaths, editor of the Homoeopath, with a practice in London. His other interests in homeopathy include collecting old books, teaching, and computer software. A slightly different version of this review appeared in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
HOMEOPATHY TODAY DECEMBER 1990
