Hallo to all Kent users
I want to know the exact meaning of the grades used in Kent’s repertory, and in the repertories taking Kent as a start, such as Synthesis, complete Repertory, Murphy’s.
I went through the introduction of Kent’s Repertory 6th American edition and could not find any reference made. Likewise no explanation in the Synthetic Repertory, and in Murphy’s Rep. was found.
Please reference your opinion, as this issue is of great importance, as Kent’s repertory (including all the ones based on Kent)is used by the majority of homeopaths.

Hans Weitbrecht
homeopath

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Hans,

From Manual of Homoeopathic Therapeutics-
C. Boenninghausen, MD 1847

"Throughout the course of this work the medicines are classed in five subdivisions, distiguished by their character.

"The abbreviation - printed in large capitols, occupies the first and most conspicuous place, and it is most frequently employed. The abbreviations--- in small capitols is less distiguished, although as much recommended by practice as by the characteristics of the medicaments.The abbreviations---- in italics, and in the lowest degree of importance--printed in small type. The fifth and last place are filled by doubtful medicaments that are not sanctioned by experience, and which rarely appear.....

Because the language of that time is so wordy I took the liberty of leaving some words out(indicated with ---).He was using a rubric as example, so I left specific remedies out.

This is the only reference to the grading we use now that I could find, but it is obviously on the same trend...this was a nice exercise, better to know the true intent of a tool rather than just following the leader...Thankyou, Denise

Hallo denise
I am aware of this, as I am using the Therpeutic Pocketbook 1846 daily.
Kent's and the others have only 3 distinct different values in their print.
I think to assume, that they mean the same than Boenninghausens is doubtful, as if it be so, Kent would have followed the grading of 5 in his repertory.
Maybe someone else who uses Kent can throw some light on that

Hans Weitbrecht
homeopath

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cure by symptom similarity!<br /><a href="http://www.Boger-Boenninghausen.com/" target="_blank">www.Boger-Boenninghausen.com/</a>

Dear Hans,
In Murphy's Rep. second edition, on third page of introduction (pages are not numbered) under :-
"Criteria for making Additions and Upgrades"

The formatting for the Homeopathic Medical Repertory is similar to Kent's Repertory with the strongest remedies in the rubric or sub-rubric are designated in bold-capitals, CARC., (3 points), next, bold-italics, carc., (2 points) and plain-type, carc., (1 point).

In general, if a remdy has cured a symptom or condition more than three times and its been confirmed by more than three homeopaths it deserves to be added to the repertory in the lowest grade, (1 point, plain type).
If a remedy has cured more tham six times and likewise confirmed by three others, it should be added in the second grade, (2 points, bold-italics).
The third grade (3 points, bold-capital) requires twelve cases plus confirmations by three or more practitioners.

OK,
If you specifically want Kent's interpretation for his Repertory I haven't a clue for a reference as I found no direct reference in his Repertory either...and reference from any other repertory still does you no good. My original inclination was to quote from my school text:
"Bold type remedies are given in the value 3 when repertorizing. This means that the particular remedy produced that particular symptom in a proving by all or many of the provers.
Italic type remedies are given the value 2, such remedies having produced the corresponding symptom in fewer provers.
Low type remedies are given in the value one, having produced that symptom in only a few provers or having only been verified by clinical observation."
But, they give you no reference...I chose the Boenninghausen reference because I beleive his was the first repertory(s) and the use of characters to show the 'difference of the value of these medicaments' was 'with the full approbation of Hahnemann.' I think it is fair to assume that Kent was still following the program already in tact when he wrote his repertory...in the Repertory of Herings Guiding Symptoms, he uses marks instead of type but specifically states he is using the system Boennninghausen developed....still a good exercise. Denise

Denise, that's what I was taught in school, and I vaguely remember reading it in Margaret Tyler's article "How NOT to do it". I was never taught akwellings' method--nor have I ever read it anywhere either. To me, it seems to be almost allopathic and purely focused on what homeopaths would call "clinical" symptoms--we know those are the least reliable ones.

Divina

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...and deliverance has many faces<br />but grace<br />is an aquaintance of mine

Hallo denise
At around the same time when Boenninghausen published his repertories G.H.G. Jahr published repertories with a grading of 3. Kent might just as well have followed this type of grading, or maybe the grading of Lee, of which he took the whole mind section. Lee had only 2 grades.

Maybe somwhere Kent explained this??

Hans Weitbrecht
homeopath

__________________
cure by symptom similarity!<br /><a href="http://www.Boger-Boenninghausen.com/" target="_blank">www.Boger-Boenninghausen.com/</a>

Hi again...

I haven't found access to this book yet, it is out of print according to my supplier but I think it may contain the info you are seeking...

KENT'S MINOR WRITINGS ON HOMEOPATHY, GysperK.H. MD
172 articles, 49 not previously published. Their chronological order lets you follow the evolution of Kent's thinking. Denise

Highest grades means (strong Symptoms)..... symptoms were observed in most of the healthy persons during proving. It has no link with personal liking or dislikings.

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Hafeez
Forum Pk

Hans,

I think I understand now...you are trying to find a source that is not an assumption, but the actual intent/words of Kent...I think I will join in the search. Denise