Comparing the time modality chapter of the Therapeutic Pocket Book (TPB-German, TPB-Hempel and TPB-Allen) with Materia Medica Pura or chronic disease – An exploratory study

Boenninghausen’s generalisation, though time tested always been under criticism due to a lack of understanding and clarity of the underlying sound base. As well as, it is known that Dr. Allen has made certain changes in the therapeutic pocket book (TPB) in his edition. Therefore, to explore the possible bases of generalisation of time modality and to study changes done by Allen, this study has been taken up. (1) To study changes in the time modality section across the editions of the TPB. (2) To explore the method adopted by Boenninghausen to generalise time modality rubrics and grading of the remedies. (3) To identify changes in grades of medicines done by Dr. Allen and trace their justification. We compared the rubrics representing time modality and marks allocated to remedies under the time modality section of TPB-German (TPB-G), TPB-Hempel (TPB-H) and TPB-Allen (TPB-A) in three remedies. We also compared the representation of time modalities in Materia Medica Pura or Chronic Disease with grades given to remedies in repertory. The original books (TPB-G and TPB-H) were sourced from the internet and their authenticity was assumed. The TPB-A, Materia Medica Pura and Chronic Disease were physically checked for representation. Most of the instances of representation of time modality in the Materia Medica Pura or Chronic Disease matched the markings assigned by Boenninghausen in the original edition. In a few rubrics, Boenninghausen assigned higher markings, which did not match the representation in Materia Medica. Dr. Allen added some rubrics and changed the grades of the medicines. Boenninghausen assigned gradings in accordance with Materia Medica most of the time. In some rubrics, there is a mismatch in Materia Medica’s representation and grades of remedies in the time modality section of repertory, which is assumed to be due to his clinical experience. Boenninghausen has generalised the rubrics and remedies under a particular time modality if it is present in most anatomical parts or systems in Materia Medica Pura or Chronic Disease, so it is justifiable to use the analogy. Dr. Allen’s addition of rubrics was a work in progress; the raises in markings in his repertory need critical study and should be applied with caution in clinical practice.