Do computers dilute the essence of Homeopathy?

The introduction and adaptation of computers to the field of homeopathy brings in its wake the debate about whether or not it helps or harms its practice as an Art. Introduction of computers along with multi-media tools, networking, and integrated audio, video, graphic and print capabilities has revolutionized education making it possible for people like me to study homeopathy from a distance. Most homeopathic software available today is the product of the combined labor of homeopaths, computer programmers and students, so it is more about evolution than mere adaptation.
The computerization of our homeopathic literature represents one of the most significant advances of the profession. Many practitioners find homeopathic software invaluable in daily clinical practice and for their continual self-education. We have today some 400 reasonably well-described remedies, along with over 1200 additional lesser known remedies. The task of getting along by a "diligent and attentive study" of our Materia Medica is today next to impossible. Hence there is a need to replace the century reliance on "full acquaintance with the specific effects of each drug", with ready access to the resources of our literature[1].
It is a commonly held view that beginning and intermediate students of homeopathy should steer away from the use of computerized literature. Many homeopathic educators discourage the use of Repertory and Materia Medica software programs until proficiency is developed in using printed-text references. The traditional skills of a homeopath include the knowledge of Repertory structure and familiarity with its content, and it is feared that these skills might be neglected if reportorial software is relied upon to "automate" case analysis. Dr. Will Taylor MD likens the resistance to adoption of the computer as a learning tool in homeopathic education, to the early resistance to acceptance of the stethoscope by the medical community.
Use of the Repertory on the computer can facilitate learning its structure and familiarizing its content, allowing the user to gradually develop an organic understanding of Repertory structure and content gained in daily use. Consultation of the Materia Medica on computer permits more ready comparative study and greatly facilitates consulting multiple authors.
It should be remembered that a computer cannot "find the remedy" for a case. The task of case taking, observing and perceiving the Totality of Symptoms, choosing the Rubrics, doing differential analysis of the leading remedies and then making the ultimate choice of a simillimum, still remain tasks for the practitioner. The tools of a carpenter do not build a house; they extend his grasp, make it much easier to drive nails and drill holes. A hammer in unskilled hands can only smash thumbs.
Each software has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The computer science dictum of GIGO or Garbage-In-Garbage-Out emphasizes that the integrity of output is dependent on the integrity of input. If poor data is used as input into a Repertory, the result will be erroneous. This applies equally to using a printed version of the Repertory as well. Besides saving time the computer allows us to store all the relevant literature in less space and makes searches easier.
Computers are here to stay so it is best to learn how to put them to use effectively. The limitations must be first understood before reaping the benefits of its advantages. Despite the availability of GPS maps, there is no substitute for “The Knowledge” that every “black cab” London Taxi driver prides himself/herself in. Yet, even the taxi drivers have kept pace by educating themselves through the use of computers to fine tune and hone their skills. Like our 400 commonly used remedies, the London Taxi drivers are supposed to be thoroughly familiar with 320 “runs” within a 6 mile radius from Charring Cross station[2]! And like the 1200+ lesser known remedies they have to be familiar with over 100 embassies, all the post codes in the City and some 30,000 “points”. Of course, a lot of this is intuitively imprinted in their minds, much like the drug pictures we develop in our minds.
In recent times, homeopathic software has included “expert-systems”. However, the user must not lose sight of conventional learning methods which involve the use of the five senses, learning at the feet of a teacher, empathizing with the patient and above keeping in focus the high and only mission to restore the sick to health, to cure, as it is termed[3].

Ashok RājGuru.

[1] Taylor, Will MD: A Review and Brief Comparison of the Leading Repertory / Materia Medica Software Programs (http://www.homeoint.org/articles/taylor/software.htm).
[2] http://www.the-knowledge.org.uk/
[3] Hahnemann, Samuel: §1-Organon of the Medical Art, (O’Reilly Edition)