This book review is reprinted with the permission of the American Institute of Homeopathy
The Homoeopathic Treatment of Eczema
by Robin Logan, F.S.Hom.
United Kingdom
152 pages, paperback. 1998.
Reviewed by George Guess, M.D., D.Ht.
Robin Logan has set an exemplary standard for homeopathic textbooks with The Homoeopathic Treatment of Eczema. It's to our benefit that he has set aside his editorial duties and taken up his pen.
He begins this work with a listing of a variety of eczema diagnoses and repertory rubrics that correspond to the pathological findings in each, then lists various skin conditions that may resemble eczema. Chapter 2 thoroughly delineates the essentials of case taking in eczema cases, from the minute details of the skin eruption to the nuances of constitutional inquiry. Chapter 3 - "Case Analysis" - emphasizes the flexibility required in deciphering many eczema cases. Using numerous case examples as illustrations, Mr. Logan describes multiple case analysis strategies. Some cases are solved solely by attending to the particulars of the eczematous rash, others by complex constitutional emotional and physical characteristics, still others by combinations of the two, and so on. The chapter is a clear, concise, and masterful rendering of the homeopathic approach regardless of the disease entity being entertained. Several of the cases given, which are solved by attention to the details of the eruption, are very illustrative of the often overlooked necessity of attending to every striking detail of a case lest critical information be overlooked. Chapter 4 - "Reasons for Failure" - very thoroughly reviews both practitioner and patient shortcomings that lead to disappointing results. Chapter 5 - "Aggravation and Case Management" - admirably discusses eczema aggravations after treatment and their management potency selection and prescription timing, and topical applications, dietary and nutritional measures. Again, throughout the first five chapters numerous and illuminating case histories are provided. The last part of the book is reserved for materia medicawritten specifically with the skin and eczema in mind. All of the characteristic eczema symptoms of both major and important minor eczema remedies are listed; additionally mental and general keynotes are included to provide ready reference to confirmatory symptoms. The book is well indexed.
It would be a great boon to homeopathic education if Mr. Logan and other authors would create additional texts covering other disease conditions using the format of this fine book as a template. The Homoeopathic Treatment of Eczema is must reading for any homeopathic physician - novice or old hand - who endeavors to treat eczema patients.
Journal of the American Institute of Homeopathy
Volume 91, Number 4 - Winter 1998-1999