A repertory is an index of symptoms. Each symptom, called a rubric, is listed with the remedies that have produced or cured it. Repertorization is the process of using a repertory to narrow down the remedies that best match a patient’s case. It doesn’t pick the remedy for you. It gives you a shortlist to study in the materia medica.
Steps of repertorization
- Case taking. Record the totality of symptoms as fully as possible (see our guide to case taking in homeopathy).
- Analysis of the case. Separate common symptoms from characteristic ones, and sort them into mentals, physical generals and particulars.
- Evaluation of symptoms. Rank symptoms by importance, based on the repertory method you’re using.
- Choosing a repertory. Pick one that suits the case (see below).
- Converting symptoms into rubrics. Translate the patient’s language into the repertory’s language. This step is where most errors happen.
- Repertorization. List the remedies under each rubric, with their grades, and tabulate them.
- Repertorial result. Note which remedies cover the most rubrics and which score highest.
- Materia medica study. Compare the leading remedies against the full picture of the case. The final choice is a clinical judgement, not a sum of scores.
Understanding remedy grades
In Kent’s Repertory, remedies under a rubric appear in three typefaces:
- Bold (3 marks): the remedy is strongly associated with the symptom.
- Italic (2 marks): the remedy is associated with the symptom.
- Plain type (1 mark): the association is less confirmed.
Other repertories use their own grading. Boenninghausen’s Therapeutic Pocket Book, for example, has five grades.
The main methods of repertorization
Kent’s method
Kent’s method evaluates symptoms in a hierarchy. Mental generals come first, then physical generals, then particular symptoms. Kent’s Repertory is arranged in chapters that start with Mind and end with Generalities. This method works well for cases with clear mental and general symptoms, and it is widely taught in BHMS programmes.
Boenninghausen’s method
This method is built on the complete symptom (location, sensation, modality and concomitant) and on generalisation. A modality seen in one part of the body can be applied to the patient as a whole. It is useful when mental symptoms are scarce but modalities and concomitants are clear.
Boger–Boenninghausen method
C.M. Boger built on Boenninghausen’s work. His repertory adds time modalities and pathological generals, and places importance on the causation of disease.
Other approaches
- Keynote method: a remedy is chosen from one or two highly characteristic symptoms. It is quick, but risky if the keynote is misread.
- Elimination method: an important, reliable rubric is used as an eliminating filter. Only remedies that appear in it are carried forward.
- Puzzle method: the practitioner looks for remedies that cover most of the rubrics, like fitting pieces together.
- Software-based repertorization: software tabulates many rubrics quickly. The rubric choice and the final judgement still belong to the practitioner.
How to choose the right repertory
| Case type | Often suited to |
| Strong mental and general symptoms | Kent’s Repertory |
| Few mentals, clear modalities and concomitants | Boenninghausen’s Therapeutic Pocket Book |
| Clear causation or pathological generals | Boger–Boenninghausen’s Characteristics and Repertory |
| One very prominent characteristic | Keynote or elimination approach |
Common mistakes in repertorization
- Using too many rubrics. Adding every minor symptom pushes polychrests like Sulphur or Lycopodium to the top by volume alone.
- Picking rubrics that are too broad or too narrow. A very small rubric can wrongly eliminate the right remedy.
Mismatching the patient’s words. “Anxious about health” and “fear of disease” are separate rubrics.
- Treating the score as the answer. The highest total isn’t automatically the remedy. Always check the materia medica.
- Choosing the method before reading the case. Let the case decide which method fits, rather than using one method for every case.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a repertory and a materia medica?
A materia medica is organised by remedy and describes each one’s symptom picture. A repertory is organised by symptom and lists the remedies for each one. The repertory helps you find candidate remedies. The materia medica helps you confirm one.
Which is the best method of repertorization?
No single method suits every case. The right choice depends on which symptoms are most prominent and most reliable.
Why is Kent’s Repertory so widely used?
Its detailed rubrics and clear hierarchy of symptoms make it the standard teaching repertory in many homeopathy curricula.
Can software replace manual repertorization?
Software makes tabulation faster, but it depends on correct case analysis and rubric selection, and those remain the practitioner’s work.