Required & Recommended Reading
There are many books and journals on homeopathy, the fruit of over 200 years of practice and research. This list will point you to the most essential library for students and beginning practitioners. Some are basic tools for daily use, such as materia medica and repertories. Others are useful for theory, principles, case study or for unique perspectives. All will provide an excellent foundation for further study.
Please review the Homeopathic Software section at the end of the reading list, as this is important to note as part of recommended course materials.
Required Preparation for the First Class
Chapters 1-7 Required Reading Prior to First Class: Wendy Jensen, DVM (1961 – , Contemporary, U.S.). The Practical Handbook of Veterinary Homeopathy: Healing Our Companion Animals from the Inside Out. A detailed discussion, including numerous case studies, of the intake consultation, case analysis, case management, and second prescription, written for the veterinarian new to homeopathy.
Required Reading Before the First Class:
George Vithoulkas (1932—, Greek). Science of Homeopathy. A modern text that describes the thinking behind homeopathy. An invaluable introduction by one of the most prominent contemporary homeopaths.
Timothy Dooley, MD (Contemporary, U.S.). Beyond Flat Earth Medicine. A contemporary personal introduction to homeopathy.
Required Reading
These books are essential reading and are required to complete your homework assignments.
William Boericke, MD (1849—1929, U.S.). A Compend of the Principles of Homeopathy. A clear summary of homeopathic principles and practice with discussion of the chronic diseases and Hahnemann’s posology.
Cyrus M. Boger, MD (1861—1935, U.S.). Boenninghausen’s Characteristics & Repertory with WordIndex. An excellent repertory, especially for veterinarians to use. Emphasizes the physical expression of disease and utilizes the Boenninghausen method of case analysis. Works well with Kent’s Repertory.
Stuart Close, MD (1860—1929, U.S.). Taught at New York Homeopathic Medical College. The Genius of Homeopathy—Lectures and Essays on Homeopathic Philosophy. An excellent presentation of philosophy and principles.
Harvey Farrington, MD (1872–1957, U.S.). Homeopathy & Homeopathic Prescribing. An excellent introduction to the study of materia medica. Succinct presentations of the remedies as well as lessons in the practice of homeopathy
Samuel Hahnemann, MD (1745—1853, German). Organon of the Medical Art. Edited and annotated by Wenda Brewster O’Reilly, Ph.D. Most contemporary translation of the last edition of the basic instruction book for the practice of homeopathy by its founder.
James Tyler Kent, MD (1849—1916, U.S.):
Repertory of Homeopathic Materia Medica. A repertory constructed with a different perspective than Boenninghausen’s. Emphasis on mental & general symptoms. Complementary to the repertory listed above.
Lectures on Homeopathic Philosophy, with Classroom Notes and Word Index (7th Ed.). Understanding the principles of homeopathy from one of the great practitioners and teachers.
Lectures on Homeopathic Materia Medica with New Remedies. A materia medica with clinical orientation. Excellent presentation of the medicines from his lectures to medical students.
Herbert Roberts, MD (1868–1950, U.S.). The Principles and Art of Cure by Homeopathy. A contemporary of Farrington, Robert’s provides a complementary resource of philosophy and principles to Stuart Close’s The Genus of Homeopathy written in “modern day” language.
Jay Yasgur, PRh, MSc (Contemporary, U.S). Yasgur’s Homeopathic Dictionary and Holistic Health Reference. A dictionary that describes the meaning of the older medical terminology found in the homeopathic material medica and repertory.
Strongly Recommended Reading
These books are strongly suggested to complement your course studies.
Cyrus M. Boger, MD (1861–1935, U.S.). Synoptic Key to the Materia Medica. A materia medica and repertory. The genius in this work is the succinct description of symptoms using a minimum of words. Excellent for acute prescribing.
Nicola Henriques, LicLCCH, Cert.Hom. Ed., MBRCP (1946—, Contemporary, British):
Crossroads to Cure. Excellent treatment of rarely discussed details of prescribing and interpretation of patient response. Best on this topic since Kent.
Release the Vital Force: The Exact Science and Art of the Homeopathic Patient Examination. Provides a cohesive overview to the homeopathic interview and examination process guiding to the initial prescription. Emphasizing the teachings of Hahnemann, Henriques encourages the reader to examine the true goals and art of the homeopathic intake. Highly recommended.
Constantine Hering, MD (1800—1880, U.S.). Guiding Symptoms to our Materia Medica. A multi-volume (5 or 10 depending on the publisher) set of materia medica and the most complete available. Dr. Pitcairn and many of the faculty use it the most.
Wendy Jensen, DVM (1961— , Contemporary, U.S.). Organon Reflections. Unique reflections on the Organon which bring Hahnemann’s aphorisms to life, through painting a vivid portrait of a patient’s curative healing process and the homeopathic practitioner’s experience. This is an absolute must read for any homeopath, regardless of experience, to further elucidate the bounty that the Organon offers and to bring clarity to one’s homeopathic clinical practice. Tentative publishing date is Summer 2023, available on pre-order now by email only, please include your postal address. Send request to Ünzile Tekcan Sahin: info@narayana-verlag.de
James Tyler Kent, MD (1849—1916, U.S.):
Kent’s Minor Writings on Homeopathy. Articles on theory & clinical application. More than any after Hahnemann, Kent advanced the understanding of homeopathy to a higher level. His books are invaluable.
Materia Medica of Homeopathic Remedies with sub-headings and cross-reference by Henny Solberg Haugen. This is the same text as Kent’s Lectures on Homeopathic Materia Medica, but with subheadings and cross references. Thus is visually laid out so that it can be easily referenced like most materia medicas.
R. G. Miller, MD (1862—1919, Scottish). Relationship of Remedies and Sides of the Body. Gives very useful guide-lines to remedy relationships. Other books may have his chart—often Kent’s repertory does.
Robin Murphy, ND (1950—2021, U.S.). Nature’s Materia Medica, 3rd Ed. A well-organized materia medica written in modern English with a pleasing visual layout, that combines the writings of Allen, Anshutz, Boericke, Burnett, Clarke, Cooper, Hale, Hahnemann, Hering, Julian, Paracelsus, Phatak and Radamacher as the major resources of this text. Excellent first reference point materia medica. Highly recommended for new homeopaths. Many of the faculty use this as their front-line materia medica.
Richard Pitcairn, DVM, PhD (1941—, U.S.) & Wendy Jensen, DVM (1961— , Contemporary, U.S.). New World Veterinary Repertory. A modern homeopathic repertory adapted for animal patients, based on Boger-Boenninghausen’s Repertory, with valuable additions from Kent and many others.
Further Study
The reading material in this category will build on your existing knowledge and fill out your extended studies.
H. C. Allen, MD (1836—1909, U.S.):
Materia Medica of the Nosodes. A unique materia medica of nosodes (remedies made from disease products), including Lyssin, which is derived from rabies.
Keynotes of the Materia Medica with Nosodes. A small book that lists just the most characteristic symptoms of each remedy. Similar to Von Lippe’s “Red Line Symptoms” (below).
Timothy Field Allen, MD (1837—1902, U.S.):
Handbook of Materia Medica and Homeopathic Therapeutics. A large book, but an excellent materia medica based on the author’s Encyclopedia (below).
Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica. (12 volumes). Somewhat difficult to use, but valuable to the advanced prescriber. Remedy pictures are derived from human provings and contain information not found elsewhere.
William Boericke, MD (1849—1929, U.S.). Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory. A small but useful materia medica and clinical repertory. Has extensive coverage of many remedies, some rarely used.
C.M. Boger, MD (1861—1935, U.S.). Collected Writings. Dr. Boger was an excellent prescriber and a very astute clinician. His collected works are a source of much wisdom.
Erastus Case, MD (1847—1918, U.S.). Some Clinical Experiences of Erastus E. Case. An exceptional compilation of hundreds of cured cases. Excellent for study.
John H. Clarke, MD (1853—1931, British). Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica. A 3-volume set of materia medica. Includes very interesting material on the history of each remedy.
A.C. Cowperthwaite, M.D., Ph.D., LL.D. (1848—1926, U.S.) Materia Medica & Therapeutics: Characteristic, Analytical & Comparative. The book begins with a general analysis of each remedy, characyeristic symptom, and also includes therapeutics and clinical indices. Dr. Cowperthwaite studied under C. Herring, and became a distinguished professor having leading roles at several major homeopathic schools and institutions throughout his career.
Glen Dupree, DVM (1956—2013, U.S.). Homeopathy in Organic Livestock Production. A good general guide to homeopathy in organic farming by one of the great leaders in the field.
Carroll Dunham, MD (1828—1877, U.S.). Lectures On Materia Medica. The main features of remedies brought out in an understandable way. Some good discussions of theory and practice.
E. A. Farrington, MD (1847—1885, U.S.):
Clinical Materia Medica, 4th Ed. Revised and enlarged by Harvey Farrington, MD. Based on Dr. Farrington’s lectures to medical students. Very strong in remedy comparisons.
Comparative Materia Medica. A very useful book that compares similar pairs of remedies and also remedies appropriate for a particular syndrome.
Samuel Hahnemann, MD (1755—1843, German). Founder of homeopathy, a genius ahead of his time. The Chronic Diseases, Vol. I-II. Hahnemann’s presentation of the theory of chronic disease, which was the culmination of his experience. Absolutely essential for advanced understanding.
Don Hamilton, DVM (1954–, U.S.). Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs: Small Doses for Small Animals. Excellent contemporary introduction to classical veterinary homeopathy.
E. B. Nash, MD (circa 1900, U.S.):
Leaders in Homeopathic Therapeutics. A discussion of remedies from one practitioner’s perspective.
The Testimony of the Clinic. A small book presenting a series of cured cases by remedy. Good for study.
Richard Pitcairn, DVM, PhD (1941–, U.S.), Susan Hubble Pitcairn (1949–, U.S.). Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats. Written for pet owners, covering a wealth of information including diet, ancillary treatments and homeopathic remedies.
Dorothy Shepherd, MD (circa 1955, British) Studied at Hering College in Chicago, 1910:
Homeopathy for the First Aider. Excellent guide to the treatment of injuries and other first aid conditions.
Homeopathy in Epidemic Diseases. A top book on using nosodes and other remedies in infectious diseases.
Magic of the Minimum Dose. Readable and charming stories of homeopathic cases and practice.
Frans Vermeulen (1948–, Dutch). Concordant Materia Medica. (Second Edition). Based on Boericke’s materia medica with additions from several other authors. Chunky but portable.
Dana Ullman, MPH (1951–, U.S.). Discovering Homeopathy Medicine for the 21st Century. Coveys a basic history, understanding, evidence of how homeopathic works. Excellent at explaining homeopathy in a simple and practical manner. Highly recommended.
Adolph Von Lippe, MD (1812—1888, U.S.). Key Notes and Red Line Symptoms of the Materia Medica. Larger than Allen’s “Keynotes” but an easier presentation and shows grading of symptoms.
Book & Remedy Kit Resources
All of the following suppliers have offered to supply students of the Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy with the following discounts on books. Just mention that you are currently a student of the Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy to receive your discount when you place your order.
Homeopathic Educational Services: Contact Dana Ullman. Educational material, from books to DVDs, and a homeopathic supplier. 10% discount for the course depending on the books ordered. Phone: 1-800-359–9051, 510-649–0294, Website: http://www.homeopathic.com/index.html
Natural Health Supply: Contact Jim Klemmer. Homeopathic pharmacy supplier. 10% off remedy kits during the course. Phone: 1-888-689–1608 or 505-474–9175, Email: nhs@a2zhomeopathy.com, Website: http://www.a2zhomeopathy.com/
Nature-Reveals (Previously Minimum Price Homeopathic Books): Contact Olivier Bakker. Large online homeopathic book supplier. 10% discount on books during the course. When purchasing online, use the discount code of “PIVH” to receive your discount. Phone: 1-800-663-8272, Email: info@nature-reveals.com, Website: http://www.nature-reveals.com/
Homeopathic Software
During the program, students will learn how to create a homeopathic case analysis by hand as part of the homeopathic case-work up process (along with materia medica study, etc.) to determine the most suitable prescription for a case. If a student is serious about learning this modality, then we strongly recommend purchasing a homeopathic software program which can allow multiple case analyses to be created within minutes and is vital to meet the demands of our busy clinical practices. These software packages not only facilitate case analysis, but also offer the ability to explore different homeopathic repertories, as well as have access to a extensive homeopathic library of materia medicas, various books, historical journals, etc., all on one’s computer.
The PIVH works closely with three well-established, highly reputable companies to provide our students with FREE TRAILS at the start of the program, and then negotiate a PIVH-tailored significant discount package for purchase. Each of the three companies include the required repertories we will use in class, including the New World Veterinary Repertory, but offer slightly different specifications and price points (including single purchase, payment plans, and Complete Dynamics offers an extreme low monthly rental fee). It’s up to the individual student to decide what fits their technical and financial needs the best.
The homeopathic software companies we have partnered with are:
We will offer live demonstrations and discuss in class in greater detail, along with reviewing the student discount packages specific to that course year. We recommend that if you don’t already have a homeopathic program, to wait on purchasing one till you have access to the PIVH discount packages as they will provide significant savings.