This book review is reprinted from Volume 22, Winter 2009 edition, with permission from Homeopathic Links.
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Miasms and Nosodes - Origins of Disease Volume 1
Louis Klein, FSHom
Narayan Publishers, Kandern, 2009, hardcover, 526 pgs
ISBN 978-3-939931-68-3
Reviewed by Harry van der Zee, MD, Netherlands
Miasms and Nosodes both represent topics in homeopathy that are of particular interest. Initially a homeopath will work with some of the better known nosodes and use them in the same way as any other remedy: a possible simillimum for a patient - e.g. "a Medorrhinum patient" or "a Sulphur patient".
If the derangement of health were a one-dimensional state asking for a single remedy response, homeopathy would be a lot more simple than reality shows. Even if the hypothesis to which some adhere, holds true, that one single remedy could solve everything for each and every patient, this remains a theoretical possibility that is often not attained as, for many reasons finding "the" simillimum is not always that simple and thus more remedies are needed to establish a cure.
In a multi-dimensional case the miasm theory becomes important and the use of nosodes or other disease-/miasm-specific remedies in handling the case are called for. As Louis Klein clearly shows in his book, he has mastered this aspect of case-management and by sharing his experience he offers others the opportunity to find new openings in "stuck" cases.
To be able to find a nosode, including the ones we have less experience with, as a next step in a treatment it is clear that the totality of symptoms will usually not be of help. So one needs to know what to look for, and for that this book is a great help.
The book starts with an interesting history of miasms in homeopathy showing how the concept and understanding of miasms has changed over time.
On each nosode the book starts with a description, a general commentary on the nosode and source notes. After that the author provides a Clinical Focus Guide, divided in two parts: 1) Mind and Disposition and 2) Physical Focus. This for me is the core of each chapter as it contains the condensed experience of the author.
Information from provings. published cases and other homeopathic sources is also included as are also cases by the author himself. In the case of Johneinum, notes of a proving conducted by the author are presented.
In the commentary on Malaria the author also goes beyond the individual symptoms of the malaria miasm and discusses its collective expression.
"Many of the personal feelings of hostility, persecution and even homicide (genocide) ... can be seen in a larger socio-political way. This is especially true where the individual or group needing help from remedies in this miasm are living in a town, society or country where they are being taken care of, but not allowed independence. This can be especially seen in refugees, principally those living in a refugee camp." (p. 468)
Of course besides the nosodes remedies belonging to the particular miasm are also listed.
Nosodes discussed in this volume 1 are: Burkholderiales (Hippozaeninum, Pertussinum), Clostridiales (Botulinum, Clostridium perfringens, Tetanus), Corynebacterium (Diphterinum, Propionibacterium ames), Mycobacterium (Tubercular nosode remedies e.g. Kent, Bacillinum, Tuberculinum bovinum, Tuberculinum aviaire, Leprominium. ]ohneinum), Enterobacteriales (Bach bowel nosodes. Proteus, Colibacillinum, Eberthinum [Typhoid], Yersinia pestis, Yersinia enterocolitica. [and Rattus j), Parasitic protozoa (Malaria compound, Toxoplasmosis). More will follow in volume 2.
Conclusion: this book is a must for every homeopath who wants a deeper understanding of the state of patients and practical guidelines for case management beyond the first simillimum. Congratulations Louis, Homeopathy owes you!