Boger’s Synoptic Key

Boger’s Synoptic Key (BSK) –

Author : Cyrus Maxwell Boger Full Name : A Synoptic Key of Materia Medica

Publication & Editions

1. 1st Edition — 1915
2. 2nd Edition — 1916
3. 3rd Edition — 1928
4. 4th Edition — 1931 (by C.M. Boger)
5. Augmented Edition — 1935 (by Dr. Banerjee)

Total Remedies

• Repertory Section — 489
• Materia Medica (Synopsis) Section — 323

Introduction • Aim: To simplify use of Materia Medica so that truly curative remedy can be worked out with greater ease & certainty in any given case.

Concept of Case Analysis • Follow this schema when using the repertory:

1. Modalities
2. Mind
3. Sensations
4. Objective aspect
5. Parts affected

Plan & Construction Book presented in 3 main parts:

1. First Part : Analysis / Repertorial Part

• Periods of Aggravation (Periodically, Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Night)
• Conditions of Aggravation & Amelioration
• Generalities (applicable to entire organism)
• Regional repertory

2. Second Part : Synopsis / Materia Medica Part

• General expression & GENIUS of each remedy (arranged alphabetically from Abrotanum to Zincum)
• Genius = strain running through every pathogenic symptom complex
• Contains important & characteristic features, physiological spheres of activity, modalities, relationships etc.
• Pattern for each remedy: General → Modalities → Symptoms → Postural → Relationship

3. Third Part : Relationship Part A) Duration of Action

• Given in weeks for 127 remedies
• Mostly used in chronic cases where similimum is prescribed

B) Complementary Remedies

• 114 described (listed alphabetically with complements against them)

C) Antagonistic (Inimical) Remedies

• 35 remedies mentioned

D) Supplementary Reference Table

• Additional rubrics (1247 total) arranged alphabetically
• To be used combined with Analysis part

Arrangement of Rubrics • 2 columns • Main Rubric — Bold Capital • Sub-rubric — Bold

Gradation 1st grade — Capital 2nd grade — Bold 3rd grade — Roman

Special Features / Advantages • Certain rubrics not available in other common repertories (e.g., breakfast after, eating long after dinner, female agg) • Unique rubrics like “dreams of snakes” → Lachesis highlighted • Lachesis & Boenninghausen remedies specially highlighted • Rubrics needing reference should be looked in Analysis section + Supplementary table → combined rubric used practically

Limitations • No separate section for causation • Sensations not given in regional repertory → must search in Generalities • Some rubrics missing in Synopsis part → check Complementary section • Improper/uniform construction in places

Scope & Utility • Quick reference for busy practitioners • Excellent for confirming remedy from MM after repertorisation • Useful when keynotes, modalities & genius of remedy are prominent • Good for beginners to grasp drug pictures rapidly • Valuable for second prescription & relationships