Aphorism 104

Explanation of Aphorism 104

Importance of keeping case record.

After accurately sketching the picture of disease, most difficult part is accomplished. This case record is mostly important in case of chronic diseases, as - 

1. Physician has the record before him so as to guide him in treatment. 

2. Changes occurred after medication can be known by making fresh record and comparing it with former. 

3. Any new symptom which has occurred during the treatment can be added to it, and that which has faded off is cut or stricken.

In footnote Dr. Hahnemann says that old school physician of his time do not maintain record of the case rather make a rapid prescription composed of variety of ingredients whose true effect is unknown to them. They neither listen to minute detail of suffering of the patient nor write them down. When the same patient returns to him after few days, he forgets what his exact suffering was as neither had he heard him carefully nor he had written down his complaints. Further, in the mean time he has seen so many patients laboring under different ailments so he goes for his usual general examination and asks few general questions, prescribes irrationally as before or continues same treatment. 

Although medical profession requires - 

1. The most reflection, 

2. Conscientious and careful examination of patient. 

Mode of treatment should be founded on these, but they do the opposite and call themselves 'Rational practitioner'. Result of such treatment is invariably bad and patient had to go to them for advice for - 

1. There are none better. 

2. For sake of fashion.