In the ever-evolving landscape of homeopathic medicine, where the past and present converge to shape a more enlightened future, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the works that contribute significantly to this journey of knowledge. Among such notable contributions is the book “Boger’s Legacy & Augmenting the Synoptic Key’s Repertory” by Dr. Anil Singhal.
The review of this book by Prof. Dr. Shashi Kant Tiwari, a luminary in the realm of homeopathy, is particularly noteworthy. Dr. Tiwari, with his profound expertise and experience, brings a critical and informed perspective to the assessment of Dr. Singhal’s work. His evaluation is not only a testament to the book’s scholarly merit but also serves as a guidepost for practitioners, educators, and students who seek to delve deeper into the principles and practices of homeopathy.
About the Reviewer:
Prof. Dr. Shashi Kant Tiwari MD(Hom.), a distinguished figure in the world of homeopathy, has contributed significantly to the field through his academic, clinical, and administrative roles. Currently serving as the Chairman of the Drug Proving Committee at the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) under the Government of India, Dr. Tiwari’s expertise is sought after in pivotal research and policy-making in homeopathy.
His illustrious career includes tenures as the Director of the National Institute of Homoeopathy in Kolkata, Principal of Fr. Muller Homoeopathic Medical College in Mangalore, and Dean of Education at the DNHMR in Winnipeg, Canada. These roles highlight his dedication to nurturing the next generation of homeopathic professionals and advancing the standards of homeopathic education globally.
As an author, Dr. Tiwari has made substantial contributions to the literature of homeopathy. His works, including ‘Essentials of Repertorization,’ ‘Homoeopathy and Child Care,’ ‘Essentials of Boger’s Principle and Practice of Homoeopathy,’ and ‘Boenninghausen-Boger Final General Repertory,’ are considered fundamental texts, providing insights and practical guidance to students and practitioners alike.
Beyond his academic and clinical achievements, Prof. Dr. Tiwari is recognized for his outstanding service to the field of homeopathy. He has received numerous awards both nationally and internationally, including the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award in 2021, the Best Homeopathic Teacher Award in 2019, and the Award of Excellence in 2019. In Mangalore, his contributions have been so profound that his name has become synonymous with homeopathy. This recognition reflects his deep commitment and impactful contributions to the discipline of homeopathy.
The Review:
Boger’s Legacy and Augmenting the Synoptic Key’s Repertory
OPINION
I had an opportunity to go through Boger’s Legacy & Augmenting the Synoptic Key’s Repertory published by Axis Media and Publishing Company (2023) and authored by Dr. Anil Singhal, a known academician and a visiting faculty of Bakson Homoeopathic Medical College, Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College, and Dr BR Sur Homoeopathic Medical College. At the outset I congratulate Dr. Singhal for his outstanding and innovative work which takes the reader into a deeper aspect of the life and work of Dr Boger. The facts which were not much known to the profession are brought into the light by the author. Going through the pages of this book one can experience the Boger from very close and can understand the philosophy explained through his work and derived from his different articles and books.
The author has also incorporated and acknowledged the ideas of 30 renowned stalwarts Homoeopaths in this unique book in Homoeopathy.
The book under the chapter Boger’s Journey has delineated the life of Boger from his childhood, early education till his transformation into a great author and a practitioner of the true rational healing art. The author has tried to connect the missing links of Boger’s philosophy and clinical practice through his various writings, lectures, and events, and emanated the true meaning of Boger’s understanding and logic of Homoeopathic prescribing. The author has made it more authentic by illustrating a few rare photographs and inscriptions. It shows the real hard and an unquenchable interest of the author in the life and work of Boger.
Under the chapter The foundation of Boger’s Legacy the author has highlighted the impact of Boenninghausen specially in relation to the methodology of understanding as well as the working out of cases. The impact, transforming Boger in to a thoughtful composer of MM and Repertory is brought into light by author step by step, a quite impressive and awe-inspiring way to the learners of Homoeopathy. This also gives a close look into the development and emergence of Boger’s logics in Homoeopathic practice. How the Boenninghausen’s various works in relation to MM and repertory were resuscitated by Boger leading to the publication of BBCR is well explained in this book.
He has described various facts and concepts of BSK through the chapters The Synoptic Key: The Apex of Boger’s Legacy. It would be worth going through the various editions of BSK with the details of facts and changes in each edition. This only shows the depth of work done by the author.
The author’s extensive and unique work Augmenting the Synoptic Key‘s Repertory needs a great appreciation and special attention from the whole fraternity of Homoeopathy. The author has described each edition of BSK and given a reasonable explanation of the changes deriving the logical evolution of Boger’s philosophy of understanding Homoeopathy and its application in clinical practice.
Dr. Anil has gone through every page of BSK and also undertaken the study of BBCR which in itself is a great strenuous work requiring a great patience as well as dedication with commitment. He has compared the rubrics of BSK with similar rubrics in BBCR and noted the variations. ‘All these variations in high marks are to be incorporated to enrich BSK’ is the beneficial plea of the author. The author has carefully extracted the ‘missing’ medicines in BSK from BBCR and has enlisted chapter wise in a tabular form. A total of 104 rubrics needs to be enriched and improved upon with the help of provided list in this book. This discovery will certainly help to enrich the knowledge of Repertory and would also help the students and practitioners to work out cases successfully with the better and enriched matters in hand. I strongly hope that Dr Anil would take up the publication of the next edition of BSK incorporating these meticulously discovered facts.
I strongly recommend this book for those who have a deeper interest in knowing Boger’s work and wish to utilize that for academic and clinical purpose. For those who have still more interest in Boenninghausen and Boger it would be advisable to have a glans to Boenninghausen-Boger Final General Repertory which is an amalgamation of twelve books of these two stalwarts.
Dr. Shashi Kant Tiwari,
Chairman, Drug Proving Committee, CCRH, Govt. of India
Former Director, National Institute of Homoeopathy
Former Principal, Fr Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, Mangalore
Former Dean of Education’ DNHMR Winnipeg Canada
Author,
Essentials of Repertorization
Homoeopathy and Child Care
Homoeopathy and Child Care
Essentials of Boger’s Principle and Practice of Homoeopathy
Boenninghausen-Boger Final General Repertory
As we conclude our exploration of Dr. Shashi Kant Tiwari’s review of “Boger’s Legacy & Augmenting the Synoptic Key’s Repertory,” we are filled with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration. The depth and detail of Dr. Tiwari’s analysis are not only a testament to the significance of Dr. Anil Singhal’s work but also provide us with invaluable insights and a sense of immense satisfaction and encouragement.
It is heartening to witness such thorough engagement with the content of the book, reflecting not just a cursory glance but a profound understanding of its essence.
In moments like these, words often seem insufficient to express the full depth of our gratitude. However, it is imperative for us to convey our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tiwari for his comprehensive and insightful critique. His meticulous examination and thoughtful reflections have left a lasting impression on us and, undoubtedly, on the readers of “Boger’s Legacy.”
We extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Tiwari for dedicating his time and expertise to delve into the depths of this significant work.
His review goes beyond mere academic critique; it is a beacon that guides both current and future explorations in the field of homeopathy.
To our readers, we hope that this scholarly exchange serves as an inspiration, showcasing the dynamic and continuously evolving nature of homeopathic knowledge. May it encourage a deeper understanding, provoke thoughtful questions, and inspire contributions to the enduring legacy of homeopathy.