This book review is reprinted with the permission of the American Institute of Homeopathy
925 E. 17th Avenue
Denver, CO 80218

By Sidney E. Skinner, MSN, FNP, RN, C

Reviewed by George Guess, MD, DHt

Sidney Skinner has penned a most useful book targeted toward health professionals unfamiliar with homeopathic medicine. A competent nuts and bolts introduction to basic homeopathic theory and methodology is provided, as are discussions of homeopathic research, pharmacy, the handling of medicines, prescribing for acutes and injuries, adverse reactions, patient education, regulatory framework and legal implications of integrating homeopathic medicine into a medical practice, and the history of homeopathy. An abbreviated materia medica of fifteen common remedies is included.

The intention of the book is to provide the interested medical professional with some basic knowledge that would allow him or her to begin to integrate acute homeopathic prescribing into his or her practice. The information provided is thorough, clear, concise, and presented in a professional manner, one that should appeal to physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

The most valuable and impressive aspect of the book is the clinical prescribing differentials. This portion of the book is reminiscent of Tyler's and Dewey's work. Essential prescribing symptomatology of most and less commonly used remedies for a number of clinical conditions is covered. Descriptions are, again, precise, clear and very thorough. Usually quite a large range of remedies is covered, enough to be of considerable utility to the new, even experienced for that matter, homeopathic prescriber. Some of the ailments covered include: injuries, various skin ailments (acne, atopy, bacterial infections, fungi, contact dermatitis, herpes, warts), eye disorders (styes, conjunctivitis, diabetic retinopathy), ear, nose, throat problems, respiratory ailments (asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, croup), emotional ailments (acute grief, anticipation, fear, insomnia, reactions to insults, drug and alcohol addiction), gastrointestinal illnesses, genitourinary ailments (epididymitis, cystitis, prostatitis, etc.), infectious diseases, headaches, gynecologic and obstetric problems, and postsurgical care. There is a wealth of information contained within these pages.

There are a number of useful appendices, including information about homeopathic educational programs and even examples of patient handouts.

The book is paperback composed of high quality paper. It is very thoroughly indexed.

An Introduction to Homeopathic Medicine in Primary Care is to be recommended to physicians interested in incorporating acute homeopathic prescribing in their practice. It also should prove quite useful to any student of homeopathy.

Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy
Volume 94, Number 4, Winter 2001-2002