This response has been created as a direct answer to the insightful queries raised by one of our esteemed readers:
22 years before when I started my studies in post-graduation in Jaipur, I opted for ‘Materia Medica’ as first choice of branch, but I got admission in ‘Repertory’ branch my second option, fate might have other plans. There were some reasons not to take Repertory as first choice, since 1995, I was working on the Phoenix Project based on repertories.
Last decade of previous century seen major innovation of home computers in public life. Even I joined this technological revolution, and purchased my first computer in 1991. With computers, there was a race of making bigger repertories, and every publisher and software makers were creating bigger and bigger software with mega repertories based on Kentian method with ever-larger databases.
Being in repertory branch, and never wanted to work on kentian method because I was already working on the similar concepts, so I selected the topic different from Kent, and started my search for Dr. CM Boger‘s works.
I tried to visit eminent homeopaths, libraries, searching old journals, communicating with other homeopaths in India and abroad. Gradually I was having certain hidden information about Dr. Boger’s works and about his methodologies.
From his works, I conceived an idea – could I propose some more remedies in the repertory part of Boger’s Synoptic Key (BSK). Because I could notice what Boger published from 1900 to 1935, there was some remedies lacking in the latest edition of BSK (BSK-VI), understanding the formation of BSK first time in 1915.
And, this observation became focus of my research topic.
In 2 years, I collected all these information and submitted my thesis in university.
There was more information with me that cannot be added in research thesis because of its standard protocol.
And, 20 years have gone…
As I re-started working on it in Covid Lockdown, I had some great outline of topics for my work. And, slowly I found myself that it is non-ending story, and no publisher would accept 500-1000 pages book on Dr. Boger.
So, last year I constrained myself to material related to my thesis work, and restructured the whole chapters of working manual to only 5 chapters. And titles of these chapters are self-evident of their content and reflect the essence of Dr. Boger’s Legacy.
So, restructured the thesis for this book “Boger’s Legacy”.
As you wrote “हम इस किताब को बोगर सर की जीवनी कह सकते हैं, if I am not wrong ?”
Yes, indeed. This book can rightly be considered a biography of Sir Boger, chronicling his profound influence and lasting legacy in the world of homeopathy.
Building upon the foundation laid in the narrative of ‘Boger’s Legacy’, the finalized chapters and their respective subsections further elucidate the comprehensive nature of this work as a biography or ‘जीवनी’ of Dr. C.M. Boger. The detailed breakdown of each chapter offers readers a clear roadmap of Dr. Boger’s journey and legacy, underscoring the meticulous research and thought that went into this book.
1. Boger’s Journey: The Making of a Homeopathy Legend
1.1 Foundations: Early Life and Education of Boger
1.2 Transition from Pharmacy to Homeopathy: Boger’s Educational Journey
1.3 Building a Legacy: Boger’s Journey in Homeopathy
1.4 Dr. Boger’s Role in the IHA: A Glimpse from 1902
1.5 The 1929 Fire: Boger’s Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
1.6 Boger’s Personal Life: The Man Behind the Legend
1.7 Final Days and Lasting Influence of Boger
1.8 The End of an Era: Homeopathy and Boger
1.9 Moving Forward: Transition from Boger’s Life to His Lifework
2. Boenninghausen’s Repertory: The Foundation of Boger’s Legacy
2.1 Deep Impact of Boenninghausen on Boger
2.2 Boenninghausen’s Method: A Point of Contention
2.3 Refining Boenninghausen’s Approach: Boger’s Response
2.4 The Birth of BBCR: Boger’s Extensive Compilation
2.5 Building on Boenninghausen’s Principles: Boger’s Approach
2.6 Disease: A Multi-dimensional Approach by Boger
2.7 Boger’s Pursuit of Refinement and Evolution
2.8 Lost and Found: Preserving Boger’s Vital Insights
2.9 From His Desk to Indian Publishers: Boger’s Notes
2.10 BBCR: A Pivotal Milestone in 1905
2.11 The Art and History of BBCR’s Title Pages
2.12 A Lasting Legacy Rooted in Boenninghausen’s Principles
3. The Synoptic Key: The Apex of Boger’s Legacy
3.1 Deciphering Forewords of different editions of the Synoptic Key
3.2 Key Insights: Forewords across editions
3.3 Boger through Sankaran’s Lens: A Tribute to a Visionary
3.4 The Genesis of the Synoptic Key: A Decade of Dedication
3.5 Boger’s Balancing Act: Generalization and Practicality
3.6 Boger’s Methodical Precision: Ensuring Quality
3.7 Charting the Evolution: Editions of Boger’s Synoptic Key
3.8 Example of Evolution of Boger’s Synoptic Key through its Editions
3.9 Rectifications in BSK: from 5th to 6th Edition
3.10 Boger’s Legacy and the Challenge of Reprint Editions
3.11 Construction/Structural Plan
3.12 The Synoptic Key’s Role in U.S. Homeopathic Education
3.13 Boger’s Legacy in Indian Homeopathy
3.14 Utilizing the Synoptic Key: Boger’s Approach
3.15 Applying Boger’s Approach: Case Studies
3.16 BSK in relation with BBCR and General Analysis
3.17 Evolution and Development Across Editions
3.18 Bridging the Past and the Present
4. Augmenting the Synoptic Key’s Repertory: Proposing New Additions
4.1 The Enhancement of BSK-VI
4.2 Identifying the Absent Remedies
4.3 Clinical Assessment and Community Validation
4.4 List of Proposed Remedies for Addition
4.5 Looking Ahead: A Proposal for Future Development
5. Homeopathy Timeline of Boger’s Legacy
Through these chapters and their detailed subsections, ‘Boger’s Legacy’ transcends the boundaries of a traditional biography, offering a refined exploration of Dr. Boger’s life, his methodologies, and his enduring influence on the world of homeopathy.
My journey towards the creation of ‘Boger’s Legacy’ was significantly influenced by the introspective period of the COVID-19 lockdown. I realized that much of the material I was working on had not been previously published, and students in homeopathic colleges were largely unaware of these important facets of Dr. Boger’s work. This gap in knowledge and understanding in the homeopathic community became a key motivator for me.
Moreover, the reflective atmosphere of the lockdown period, combined with Dr. Boger’s compelling phrase, “before it becomes too late,” resonated deeply with me. This phrase became a source of inspiration, propelling me to bring this project to fruition. The result was the publication of “Boger’s Legacy” in September 2023, a work that aims to bridge historical knowledge with contemporary practice.
‘Boger’s Legacy’ is not just a historical account; it’s a practical guide that can greatly benefit clinical practice. For practitioners who follow Boenninghausen, the book explores how Dr. Boger refined Boenninghausen’s methods into the BBCR. Those who are inclined towards the ‘Generalisation‘ philosophy will find insights into its extended application in the Synoptic Key and General Analysis.
Furthermore, for those who refer to Boger’s Synoptic Key, it’s crucial to have the appropriate, latest edition of BSK. In ‘Boger’s Legacy’, I have discussed this with images of different editions, providing a visual and historical context to these important texts.
Lastly, the book addresses the repertory aspect of BSK. In the chapter titled ‘Augmenting the Synoptic Key’s Repertory’, I propose additional remedies that practitioners can consider when referring to specific rubrics in the repertory part of BSK. This not only updates the repertory but also enhances its relevance and utility in contemporary homeopathic practice.
In essence, ‘Boger’s Legacy’ is more than a biography; it’s a comprehensive resource that connects historical understanding with practical application, aimed at enriching the knowledge and practice of homeopathy for students and practitioners alike.