What is the origin and meaning of term "Repertory"?
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Etymology and Origin of the Term "Repertory" The term "repertory" originates from the Late Latin word repertorium, which translates to an "inventory," "list," or "storehouse" [1]. It is derived from the Latin verb reperire, meaning "to find out" or "to discover" [1]. In a general sense, it refers toRead more
Etymology and Origin of the Term “Repertory”
The term “repertory” originates from the Late Latin word repertorium, which translates to an “inventory,” “list,” or “storehouse” [1]. It is derived from the Latin verb reperire, meaning “to find out” or “to discover” [1]. In a general sense, it refers to a repository where things are stored or found.
Meaning in Homoeopathy
In homoeopathy, a repertory is an extensive index or “storehouse” of clinical symptoms (rubrics) recorded during drug provings and clinical practice [2]. It is systematically arranged—typically alphabetically from head to toe—to help the physician analyze a patient’s total symptom picture and identify the similimum (the most similar homeopathic remedy) [3].
Historical Origin in Homoeopathy
While Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homoeopathy, recognized the necessity of systematizing symptoms, he did not author a repertory himself [2]. The practical origin of the homeopathic repertory is credited to Dr. Clemens von Bönninghausen, who published the first true homeopathic repertory, the Antipsoric Repertory, in 1832 [4]. This foundational work was later expanded by pioneers such as Georg Jahr (1838) and James Tyler Kent (1897).
References
See less1. Online Etymology Dictionary. Repertory [Internet]. Douglas Harper; 2001 [cited 2026 Aug 7]. Available from: https://www.etymonline.com/word/repertory
2. Tiwari SK. History and evolution of repertory. In: Essentials of repertorisation homoeopathy. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 2004. p. 15-22.
3. Kane JA. Homeopathic medical repertory. Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 2004. p. 11-15.
4. Boenninghausen CMF. Antipsoric repertory. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 1832 (reprinted).