Introduction:
- This
chapter gives a brief review of disease types discussed earlier.
- It
highlights how all diseases are expressions of miasmatic disturbances.
- Dr.
Roberts explains how to understand and classify diseases properly
to treat them effectively using homoeopathic principles.
1. Purpose of Disease
Classification
- Helps in
understanding the nature, origin, and depth of disease.
- Assists in
selecting:
- The right
remedy
- The correct
potency
- The miasmatic
background
- Aids in
building the totality of symptoms.
Mnemonic: C.A.R.E.
- Cure
planning
- Assessment
of miasm
- Remedy
selection
- Evaluating
depth of disease
2. Two Main Types of Disease
A) Acute Diseases
- Sudden
onset, short duration
- Caused by
external factors like infection, weather, injury
- Usually self-limiting
or curable
Examples: cold, fever, food poisoning
B) Chronic Diseases
- Long-lasting, progress
slowly
- Arise from
miasmatic influences
- Return
again and again
- Require
deep-acting constitutional remedies
Examples: asthma, arthritis, eczema
3. Three Major Miasms
|
Miasm |
Nature |
Main Features |
|
Psora |
Deficiency |
Itching, weakness, fear, poor digestion |
|
Sycosis |
Excess |
Warts, overgrowths, thick discharges, suspicious nature |
|
Syphilis |
Destruction |
Ulcers, bone decay, mental despair, suicidal tendencies |
Mnemonic: P-S-S
- Psora –
Poor function
- Sycosis –
Surplus growth
- Syphilis –
Severe destruction
4. Other Types of Diseases
One-sided Diseases
- Only one
or two symptoms are visible
- Common in
chronic cases
Alternating Diseases
- Symptoms
appear one after another, not together
- E.g. headache
one day, constipation the next
Pathological or Named Diseases
- Diagnosed
by organ or pathology (like TB, cancer)
- Homoeopaths
use them only as guides, not for prescription
Chart: Homoeopathic Disease
Classification Summary
|
Type of Disease |
Features |
Miasmatic Link |
|
Acute |
Short, sudden, from external causes |
May not involve miasm |
|
Chronic |
Long, recurring, from within |
Always miasmatic |
|
Psoric |
Deficiency, mental fear |
Functional issues |
|
Sycotic |
Excess growth, fixed symptoms |
Over-production disorders |
|
Syphilitic |
Destructive, ulcerative, suicidal thoughts |
Tissue decay & mental despair |
|
One-sided |
Only one or two symptoms |
Often psoric or syphilitic |
|
Alternating |
Symptoms alternate regularly |
Mixed miasm |
Word Meanings
|
Word / Phrase |
Meaning |
|
Disease Classification |
Grouping diseases based on nature, cause, and progress |
|
Miasm |
A deep-rooted disease-producing force (Psora, Sycosis, Syphilis) |
|
Constitutional Remedy |
Remedy based on the complete symptom picture of the individual |
|
Totality of Symptoms |
All physical, mental, and emotional symptoms of a patient |
|
Unprejudiced Observer |
A physician who observes without any bias or assumption |
|
Disease per se |
The disease in its actual nature, not just outer symptoms |
|
Alternating Disease |
Disease where symptoms take turns appearing |
Conclusion:
The chapter “Disease Classification: A Summary” brings together the concepts of acute vs chronic diseases, the three major miasms, and other forms like one-sided and alternating diseases. Understanding this classification helps the homoeopath select the right remedy, follow the natural course of healing, and avoid suppression. The real art of cure lies in understanding the disease and the patient both deeply and clearly.
