This book review is reprinted with the permission of the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians
P.O. Box 21488, Portland, OR 97212
FAX:(503) 795-7320
e-mail: hanp@igc.apc.org

THE COLLECTED WORKS OF ARTHUR HILL GRIMMER, M.D.
edited by Ahmed N. Currim, M.D.
Reviewed by Durr Elmore

Published by Hahnemann International Institute for Homeopathic Documentation,
148 East Avenue Suite 1-L, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Arthur Hill Grimmer practiced homeopathy for 57 years. Despite the fact that Grimmer was a prolific writer, contributing many articles and cases for the homeopathic journals of his day, he is little known among contemporary homeopaths. With the publication of The Collected Works of Arthur Hill Grimmer, M.D, Dr. Grimmer's relative anonymity should change.

This anthology, edited by Dr. Ahmed Currim, is a big and ambitious work as befits its subject. Currim began collecting Grimmer's unpublished manuscripts with the doctor's daughter, Audrey Grimmer Winthers in 1972. His comprehensive, organized and well documented treatment of Dr. Grimmer's writings is an exciting addition to the homeopathic literature.

This very large page book is arranged into 8 chapters; Materia Medica, Homeopathic Prophylaxis, Philosophy, Clinical Cases, Special Diseases, Essays, Electronic Reactions of Abrams, and Cancer. Really The Collected Works of Arthur Hill Grimmer, M.D. is like several books under one cover.

The influence of James Tyler Kent is imprinted throughout Grimmers writings; in his treatment of materia medica, prescriptions and case management and especially philosophy. Rightfully so, since Grimmer was one of Kent's brightest pupils and upon graduation accepted Kent's offer to join him in practice.

The scope of subject matter included in The Collected Works of Arthur Hill Grimmer, M.D. covers the homeopathic spectrum from materia medica, case taking, case analysis and philosophy. Grimmer's clinical experience and solid foundation in classical homeopathy is evident throughout nearly the entire 900 pages. Some readers might find fault with his chapters on the relationship of electronic reactions and polarity to homeopathy. However, they only cover 54 pages, and seen as a unique extension of Grimmer's strong belief in Swedenborgian philosophy, they provide an interesting insight into his spiritual understanding of health and disease.

This is the kind of book to enjoy and learn from, one chapter at a time. With nearly 200 chapters representing the wisdom of 57 years of practice, The Collected Works of Arthur Hill Grimmer, M.D. is well worth twice its price.

Dr. Ahmed Currim is an excellent homeopath, as well as a meticulous and dedicated homeopathic researcher and scholar. He practices in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Fall 1996 Volume IX No. 3 / SIMILLIMUM