Book Review
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 2004 Nov / Dec VOL VI NO 6.
Reviewed by
Dr Rashmi Nagar
Title: Essentials of Pediatrics
Publication : Nitya Publications, 212, 1st Floor, New Mahavir Bldg, Telang Road, Near Matunga Post Office, Matunga Central Railway, Mumbai-400 019, Tel: 022- 24014505, Email: drpravin@vsnl.com
Author : Dr Pravin B Jain
Edition : Second
Pages : 223
Price : Rs 180/-
History taking is an important part of Homeopathic practice but when it comes to pediatrics, we need to possess the skills of observation besides the history obtained from parents.
Dr Pravin has gone through the entire gamut of emotions, while treating pediatric cases, the fears, self doubt, anxieties, mistakes and joys associated with treating the tiny tots. Instead of being discouraged, he went through pediatric psychology books, tried to understand the normal child and started reaching Similimum with speed and accuracy.
This book is the outcome of his extensive study and experience of 3 years. Inspiration came from Dr Praful Vijayakar and his book on Acutes.
He has tried to explain the new concept of Sociability - Activity - Destructibility axis to arrive at the Similimum.
The first part of the book deals with theory and the second part with Materia Medica. Theory part deals with essentials of Pediatric case taking, development from infant to school age, Mind, Reaction to stimulus and his new concepts.
He Explains: To arrive at a remedy, 3 main factors viz Sociability, Activity and Destructibility in different age groups ie infants, toddlers, preschool and school children have to be understood. To this axis, one has to add characteristic mental generals, thermal and thirst, constitution and miasm. This will lead to the selection of Similimum. How to assess this axis is explained in details and based on this, he has also formulated a flow chart. A case of Rickets further helps to understand this concept.
The Materia Medica section gives frequently used, as well as rarely used medicines. The format is standard and short. The axis is first given followed by life situation, Ailments from, mind, Generalities and indications.
The first reading will require patience to understand the concept. But once the concept is thoroughly understood, the flow chart and Materia Medica will serve the purpose of a ready reckoner.
