Representation Of Behaviour In Materia Medica
In Materia Medica, behaviour is represented as the characteristic expressions of remedies. Unlike the repertory, which organizes behaviour into rubrics, Materia Medica provides descriptive portraits of how patients of a particular remedy behave, think, and feel.
Behaviour in Materia Medica -
1. Behaviour as Remedy Portraits
- Each remedy is described with its typical behavioural patterns.
- These behaviours are linked to emotions, thoughts, and functioning.
- Example:
– Arsenicum album → Restless, anxious, fearful of death.
– Nux vomica → Irritable, quarrelsome, impatient.
– Ignatia → Contradictory behaviour, sighing, weeping.
2. Behaviour as Keynotes
- Certain remedies are identified by striking behavioural traits.
- Example:
– Hyoscyamus → Jealous, suspicious, shameless behaviour.
– Stramonium → Violent, fearful, clinging behaviour.
3. Behaviour as Clinical Clues
- Physicians observe behaviour during case-taking and match it with Materia Medica descriptions.
- Example: A patient constantly rearranging things → Arsenicum album.
4. Behaviour as Integration
- In Materia Medica, behaviour is not isolated; it is integrated with physical symptoms, modalities, and generalities.
- This holistic picture helps in remedy selection.