Method

Review

This book review is reprinted with the permission of the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians

Reviewed by Barbara Juniper

The Method is a transcription of a seminar Dr. Saine conducted in 1993 in the Netherlands. As he states in the beginning of the lecture "The most important subject in Homeopathy is the method, how to treat people in order to make cure possible." As we all know, practicing Homeopathy successfully can be extremely challenging. Without a clear understanding of' the laws and principles that are its foundation, achieving consistent results is not possible. As in other works I have come across by Dr. Saine, a clear and thorough understanding of the methodology that Hahnemann taught is revealed in this book. His study and research of the old masters, and his tenacity in adhering the principles of the great art, shine through his lectures and provide inspiration to all who desire to purely represent Homeopathy.

The book is essentially divided into three parts. The first part includes an in-depth discussion of the direction of cure. This lecture covers the historical context in which the "Law of Cure" came into existence and the importance of understanding it in terms of clinical experience. Dr. Same takes us back through history in order to trace the development of this "law," only to reveal to us through research and fact that it is not really a law but, instead, a rule. To some this may be a moot point, but to Dr. Same it is imperative that we homeopaths know and understand the background of the development of our laws and principles.

The second part is titled "Case Handling." This section includes lectures on casetaking, case analysis, and case management. Included in the lecture on case analysis is an in-depth discussion on dissimilar diseases. In this day and age it is very common to have someone walk through our doors with a virtual plethora of symptoms of every variety and degree. In order to make sense of all these symptoms from a homeopathic viewpoint, one must have a clear understanding not only of what is common or uncommon, what is characteristic, what is peculiar, but also what constitutes dissimilar disease states. The discussion is informative, very thoroughly presented, and quite helpful for sorting out these complex cases that we often struggle with.

The third point of the book is on "Evaluation of Symptoms." It covers topics such as intensity, characteristic value, and hierarchy of symptoms. It also includes Dr. Saine's own particular schemes.that other homeopaths have used and a wealth of cases to substantiate his ideas. The last section of part three is a wonderful synopsis of the life and works of Adolphe Lippe, one of the most gifted prescribers that ever lived, according to Dr. Saine.

One of the aspects I enjoy so much about Dr. Saine's work is the constant references to the master prescribers of the past and to the historical information that so thoroughly supports whatever he is presenting. He uses this information liberally throughout this work. For me, this detailing of history and stories of the past brings a certain quality of life to these discussions of philosophy and principles. One of the strongest points he makes in his lecture on case analysis is to "Study old cases!" In my own practice I have found this to be of inestimable value.

Two questions that arose for me while reading this book were in regards to the principle of miasms, and the use of LM potencies. In his lecture on case analysis and case management there was little discussion of the miasmatic reading of a case, which left me wondering what Dr. Saine's viewpoint is on the importance of this aspect of case analysis. Regarding LM potencies, Dr. Saine states on page 153, "If you know how to use the centisimal potencies you have no need at all to ever use LM, it is too complicated." Considering these lectures were conducted in 1993, I would be interested to know whether over the last seven years Dr. Same has incorporated the use of LMs into his practice, or if he still holds to this view.

I believe this book will be very helpful to the serious student of Homeopathy and also to any practitioner who might be feeling the need of some clarification regarding the methodology and principles of pure classical Homeopathy. Abundant with quotes from the Organon and other works of Hahnemann, we arc reminded once again of the genius of the founder of this great science. As Dr. Saine quotes from Lippe, "If we are true to Homeopathy, it will be true to us."

Barbara Juniper is a graduate of the Institute of Classical Homeopathy and is currently, practicing in Marin County California.

Simillimum
Volum XIII, Issue 4, Winter 2000

This book review is reprinted from The Homoeopath with permission from Nick Churchill of The Society of Homoeopaths.

Reviewed by Angela Zajac

As I read through this book, I found myself looking at it from three different view-points, viz. as a practitioner, as a teacher and as a student. On all three levels The Method has plenty to offer. Andre Saine presents his views on classical homeopathy. He refers frequently to the old masters, such as Hering, Lippe, Guernsey etc. as well as Hahnemann. However, as the title suggests, it is very practical. The points made by the author are illustrated by detailed case examples, often accompanied by clear analysis and case management details. This leads up to a specific method of case analysis which can be adopted by the classical student. He offers this method to assist the less experienced practitioner in the selection of characteristic symptoms - a concept, he says, which is difficult to understand as a student and difficult to teach.

His three criteria in the analysis are intensity, characteristics and hierarchy. The idea is that in using this method one gains an understanding of the 'genus' (nature) of the case/remedy. I think that a formalised method such as this can help to bridge the gap as a practitioner gains the experience necessary to understand characteristic symptoms. I have tried this particular method myself and with students and can see its usefulness. It can bring confidence into practice and increase awareness into how to understand a case. Like any method it has its drawbacks. I see the main one as using the method routinely without adapting to the patient. This of course is connected with experience.

There are parts of the text, which are unclear, for example some of the case management. This may be as the book is not a manual as such, but an account of a seminar he delivered in Holland (1993).

Dr Saine puts great emphasis on learning from old classical homeopaths and reading their cases. He says there are very few homeopaths that have mastered classical homeopathy and is critical of some well-known practitioners including Kent.

There are some very nice historical snippets such as how Dunham made the 200c potencies and why they are more powerful than those from other sources.

The text flows well. It is divided into short easily digestible sections with learn headings. There are many spelling mistakes e.g. small pocks for smallpox. However this does not divert from the enjoyment of the book, which is a useful practical guide as well as giving a historical insight into where homeopathy has come from.

The Homeopath, Spring 2001, Number 81