Homeopathy Today Review by Kristy Lampe
The first thing I noticed about the Pathology Set was how heavy the box is compared to the Materia Medica Set reviewed in spring 2008.
When I opened the box, I found 357 cards and 6 CDs (vs. 154 cards and 4 CDs in the Materia Medica set). This was a massive project in design and creation. Those who want to be sure that they’re getting correct information will be happy to learn that this set was reviewed and edited for medical accuracy by Alice Reed, MD.
It is much easier to navigate through this set because of the accompanying 8-page booklet that lists the corresponding Disc number (1–6), the number of each card, and the topic/title of each numbered card. The whole set is organized by “body systems”:
- Disc 1 = Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Gastrointestinal
- Disc 2 = Gastrointestinal (continued), Genital Urinary, Hematological Disorders, Immunology
- Disc 3 = Infectious Disease, Malignancy, Muscular-Skeletal
- Disc 4 = Neurological, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics (conditions not listed in other places)
- Disc 5 = Psychiatric, Reproductive
- Disc 6 = Respiratory, Ear, Nose & Throat, Skin & Rashes.
In the “Malignancy” category of the set, the authors include all the major cancers, even those not on the Council for Homeopathic Certification’s list of “diseases to know,” as the authors feel it is important for practitioners to recognize cancer.
Differentiating
Each card is organized with: a title, a definition or description of the condition, a classification of the condition as “routine,” “urgent” or “chronic,” a description of the typical patient, common symptoms, diseases that must be differentiated from this one, and conventional medical tests used in connection with the disease.
While studying the pathology cards to help with case-analysis, I found it helpful to also use Jay Yasgur’s Homeopathic Dictionary (invaluable when “translating” some of the older medical terms used by Kent and others); Ernest Roberts’ and Juliet Williams’ Warning Signs & Similar Symptoms which reinforces the idea of differentiating between “urgent” and “routine” symptoms; and Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints by Robert H. Seller, MD.
Lightweight paper cards were one of the flaws mentioned in my review of the first system, and this has been corrected by using card stock for the Pathology Set. (The authors have since upgraded the paper in the first Materia Medica set as well.) This is very helpful for anyone who plans to study with the cards now and keep them for reference later on.
The 6 audio CDs contain the same information as the cards so that, as with the previous set, you can learn while you commute, exercise, or travel. The CDs have a clear sound and can be played on a computer or MP3-compatible stereo system or downloaded to your iPod/MP3 player. The pathology cards and audio CDs complement each other and reinforce the learning process.
For all serious students of homeopathy
The Pathology Set will be useful for students preparing for exams to become professional homeopaths and for all study groups and individuals who wish to have a much deeper understanding of the terms and conditions they encounter while analyzing cases and using a homeopathic repertory and materia medica. (Discounts are available for schools or study groups ordering 5 or more sets at the same time.) The cards can become flash cards for study quizzes, and with your finger on the “Pause” button of your MP3 player, you can play your own version of the NPR show Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!—until you have this incredible amount of information down pat.
About The Author
Kristy Lampe, MA, DIHom, is NCH e-Newsletter Editor, NCH On-Line Chat Moderator, Coordinator for NCH Affiliated Study Groups, and ASG-Newsflash Editor. She also works extensively to promote animal care using homeopathy and natural diets.
