This book review is reprinted from the British Homoeopathic Journal Volume 79, Number 1, January 1990, with permission from Peter Fisher, Editor.
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The Family Guide to Homoeopathy.
The Safe Form of Medicine for the Future.
Dr Andrew Lockie.
London: Elm Tree Books 1989.
ISBN 0-241-12158-2.
Pp. 402.
16.95 pounds. [Editor's note: As of August 1996 Minimum Price Books' price is $14.40]

Most families buy a medical reference book so that they can understand and deal with problems as they arise. Most of these books are sound but written from the conventional medical angle. Families interested in homoeopathy and other complementary methods of treatment often look for a different approach. They must then buy a second book and try and marry the advice given. The Family Guide to Homoeopathy covers both these needs. It is a comprehensive health manual written by a conventionally trained doctor who has worked in homoeopathy for sixteen years and is a member of the Faculty. The book covers a wide range of complaints. It explains their physical nature and outlines various approaches to treatment. In recent years there have been several new and excellent small books introducing the newcomer to homoeopathy. But homoeopathy is a complex field and there has been a need for a more comprehensive manual of treatment for the interested layman. Dr Lockie's book fills that gap.

The book is divided into six parts. The first part explains the nature of homoeopathy, its beginnings, its philosophy, its medicines and the ways to find a practitioner. Part 2, entitled 'Prevention is Better than Cure' starts by saying 'Human nature is such that it is always easier ... to take a pill than to change a way of life. Most people want quick solutions. They want health with the minimum of fuss and effort.' It then proceeds to discuss exercise, nutrition (including vitamin and mineral supplements), pollution, stress reduction and meditation. Throughout the book these are emphasized as sensible self-help treatments-the necessary foundation on which homoeopathy can be laid.

Part 3 begins with information on homoeopathic medicines, including a list for starting a homoeopathic medical chest. It then has an introduction to repertorization and a small repertory. Most newcomers will, I think, find this too complicated. If they are interested in repertorization they will probably turn to the standard repertories. But perhaps this section will help people understand how practising homoeopaths work. Part 4 concerns First Aid. It lists the requirements for a basic First Aid list and gives priorities in emergencies. It is basic, sensible advice.

Part 5, 'Ailments and Diseases', is the largest section in the book and the one to which most people will turn when faced with a problem. Its subsections deal with the various systems of the body such as eyes, brain and nervous system, etc. There are separate sections for problems specific to different age groups such as infancy. Cross references are needed to avoid duplication and these are good. Each medical problem begins with an explanation and the signs to look for. In cases where prompt action may be necessary there is a series of simple symbols, for instance:

999 Emergency-Call GP, but if not immediately available dial 999 and ask for ambulance. 2 consult your doctor if there is no improvement in two hours etc.

Self help advice is given for every problem and a list of specific homoeopathic medicines. Throughout the book, the advice given is simple, clear and sensible. Where conventional medicine is more appropriate Dr Lockie says so. Part 6 covers Nutritional Supplements and Special Diets including fasting. Finally in the Appendix are sixty drug pictures and a list of useful addresses, starting with Action Against Allergy and Anorexia Aid.

The book is written in an easy, lucid style. Throughout, the approach is humane yet realistic with an understanding of peoples foibles. It is never pompous or dictatorial, but sound and sensible. The lay-out is good and the book opens easily, an important fact in a book which contains so much information. The content is wider than its title might suggest, as it contains much naturopathic advice. The information, gleaned over sixteen years of experience, may be a source of ready information for professional colleagues, especially those in general practice. The price is reasonable in comparison with other medical books. Altogether it is an excellent Family Health Compendium.

ANNE WYNNE-SIMMONS

British Homoeopathic Journal
Volume 79, Number 1, January 1990