Koppikar’s Clinical Experiences Of 70 Years In Homoeopathy
B.Jain Publishers (P)Ltd.
ISBN:81-8056-029-5
405pp
It’s rare to come across a great homoeopath who has spent seventy years studying and practising the art and science. This book is mainly a collection of writings and lectures given by this masterly and dedicated practitioner who until recently edited The Homoeopathic Heritage.
This book is a joy to read. It’s full of wonderful gems, inspiring experiences, interesting historical information and not a few challenges. Every aspect of Homeopathic education and practise is covered by this knowledgeable man who knew many more great homoeopaths and was educated by them.
I’ve often wondered why the Indian’s love Allen’s Keynotes. They all know it off by heart. Koppikar informs us that seventy years ago repertories like Kent’s were not available so this is how they worked. He gives some examples. His uncle was a forest ranger but also a lay homoeopath and knew materia medica thoroughly but used this keynote system to great effect. He tells the story how one day his uncle looked out the window and saw a doctor’s car outside a neighbouring house. After half an hour the doctor had gone back. Then someone came running saying uncle (i.e. Koppikar’s) should save the man’s sister from death. She was in labour and her pains had stopped and was weakening. The doctor made had made an excuse and left. He continues saying that uncle sent 2 doses of Gelsemium 1000. After twenty minutes another man came running desperately saying that within five or ten minutes the girl had got nice pains and delivered normally but had got fits just after that. Uncle ran to the toilet and shouted to me to give Amyl nit 1000. I did so and within fifteen minutes the convulsions had stopped.
In the intense excitement that made him run to the lavatory (Gelsemium patient), how did uncle remember Amyl nit. I asked him. He said; “Open Keynotes and see.” Under Amyl nit there it was, the last line in ordinary type. “Puerperal convulsions immediately after delivery.” Uncle went on to show that Hyos and Cicuta should be compared each with special word “during”, “continuing” etc and pictured mentally the whole situation.
Without spoiling this book by sharing too many of its treasures suffice to say this book is full of surprises and will brighten every Homoeopathic library.