Desktop Companion to Physical Pathology by Roger Morrison, MD

Desktop Companion to Physical Pathology (1998; Roger Morrison, MD) [[1]]; isbn: 0–9635368–2-6; 6”x9” hardback; 600pp; $79.00; Hahnemann Clinic Publishing; www.herrickmorrison.com [1]

“The purpose of this book is threefold: It is meant first as an aid to be used at the time of the interview to cue the practitioner toward likely remedies for a particular condition. The second is as a study guide, bringing the main points of the remedies into focus. And finally, to give advice about treatment based on the experience of myself and my colleagues at our center.” –Dr. Morrison, MD (p. ix) [[2]]

Dr. Morrison, a classical homeopath, recognizes that it is not a good approach to analyze a case by looking at physical pathology. However, he maintains, it can be useful as there are cases where traditional methods of homeopathy research leave the clinician wanting. Thus, he admits, that clues can be had by understanding pathologies. For example, under the “Thyroid Conditions” topic (as he does with all topics) discusses case management issues, therapeutic tips for hyper- and hypothyroidism (homeopathy, naturopathic, and allopathic), offers rubrics from the repertory before, and in the last section, listing the main remedies and other less important remedies for thyroid conditions. This list is quite useful when studying the remedies by comparison as the main points are succinctly assembled in just a few pages.

He does not believe that offering naturopathic treatments are contraindicated in his clinical practice for three reasons: as useful options when the patient needs treatment but we don't want to use a remedy; when a remedy is not acting or “at least not acting upon the specific problem”; or the many conditions when homeopathic treatment is aided by naturopathic techniques.

To gain further insight into Morrison's thought about case management:

“My suggestions in the management sections are often cautious, reflecting my philosophy in medicine. My conviction is that our main duty is to the safety and health of our patients, not to our homeopathic ideals. This sometimes means that we need to resort to allopathic treatment for the short-run. Furthermore, the safety of the practitioner is significant. We should never jeopardize our licenses or our reputations in the community.” –Dr. Morrison, MD (p. x).

This book, as is his 1993 work, is very well produced with exemplary lay-out allowing the reader to effortlessly access the material.

Publication History

Article published online:
11 December 2025

• Reference

• 1 Morrison R, Herrick N. Clinically verified materia medica: an explanation and remedy example. Homoeopath Links 2018; 31 (01) 18-24