Prijevod

NEW CONCEPTS IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

ALBERT ABRAMS

Electron theory.—The three physical entities are. MATTER, ENERGY and ETHER. The electron or corpuscular theory has solved the ultimate structure of matter and reduces all electric and magnetic phenomena to the distribution and motion of electrons.

This theory, which most fully accords with modern investigations concerning the physical basis of the material universe conceives matter to be made up of molecules; molecules to be composed of atoms and atoms to consist of electrons. The. electrons or corpuscles are charges of electricity. The atoms of matter are individualized masses of positive electricit}” diffused uniformly o\’er the area of an atom, spherical in shape and one_two-hundredth millionth of^n^inch in diameter.

Throughout the spherical mass are some eight hundred minute particles of negative electricity all alike flj’ing vigorously about, each repelling ever\’ other particle yet all contained within their orbits by the mass of positive electricity which constitutes only about one per cent, of the atom’s mass.

The number of electrons in an atom are proportional to the atomic weight of the element. \Mien the crowding of the electrons becomes excessive as in radium, thorium or uranium, the atoms become radioactive owing to collisions between the electrons, some of which are constantly shot away. Radiation refers to a change in the velocity of an electron which causes ripples in the surrounding ether, Wlienever _the yejocity of an electric charge is increased, diminished or changed in direction, Roentgen rays, light and aU other radiations result.

The investigations of the writer show that practically all atoms of matter are radioactive, assuming that the streams of radiations also consist of ethereal \’ibrations as weU as flying particles. The following data may be summarized concerning electrons :

1. The electron is the smallest entity known to science and is a thousand limes smaller in mass than! the smallest atom.
2. It is a sphere of positive electrification enclosing a number of negatively electrified corpuscles which counter-balance the positive electricity of the enclosing sphere.
3. The electrons are characterized by the uniformity of their vibrations. This is demonstrated l)y the sharpness of the lines of light making up the si:)ec- trum of an element. These lines originate from the vibrations of electrically charged systems and if the vibrations of different atoms were not attuned to each other, the spectral lines would be blurred and diffused.
4. Light and other radiations are dependent on disturbances in the surrounding ether caused by a change in the motion of the corpuscles. We refer to perpetual motion as impossible, yet the whole universe is nought else. Matter is only an effect of a definite kind of motion.

During the revolutions of the electrons, thousands of billions of times per second, an electro-magnetic field of energy is created but the rhythmic changes in the field of energy thus transmitted by the ether have thus far eluded all instruments for their detection and study.

The phenomena of moving electrons are known as radiation and the rhythmatic ethereal vibrations occuring within certain limits of frequency constitute light.

Everything in nature is in a state of perpetual motion and the latter is continually changing from one ^-elocity to another.

The power to change_the__state of motion of a body is ENERGY. The total energy contained in matter depends on the extent to which it can be changed. Energy is the universal commodity on which all life depends. All forms of energy whether derived from heat, clectricity, magnetism or gravitation are interconvertible and represent practically different varieties of motion.

Energy, like matter, can neither be created nor destroyed.

The energy in all matter is enormous and it has been estimated that one gram of hydrogen possesses siifhcient energy to raise one million tons through a height exceeding three hundred feet.

A gram of radium yields enough heat every hour In melt one and three-fifths times its own weight of ice.

A vital question propounded by physicists is, whether it is possible to gain control of this tremendous store of subatomic energy.

Later in discussing treatment, this anticipation is not beyond realization.

Electrons are only electricity and nought else is in existtence but electrons.

In gases, electricity is conducted by free corpuscles flying bullet-like and with velocities often approximating 100,000 miles per second.

In liquids, the conduction is only about an inch an hour, In metallic conduction, the atoms are relatively fixed and their only power is that of vibration.

Certain corpuscular aggregations will hold in an unstable condition a few more corpuscles than exactly suffices to balance the surrounding sphere of positive electricity. The atom thus constituted is negatively charged. Others hold a few less corpuscles than suffices to balance the positive electricity. This leaves the I atom positively electrified. these two t}^es of atoms are free to move and they unite and neutralize each electricallv, we have chemical union.

V ENERGY / After the discovery of radium, the spinthariscope enabled one to watch the action of a single atom, then the alpha particle was photographed and still later it was demonstrated that, in the phenomenon of radio- activity, we are present at the birth of helium. Evidence is accumulating to show that it is possible to synthesize helium from hydrogen, neon, from hydrogen and oxygen, argon from sulphur and hydrogen and krypton from selenium and hydrogen. Energy.—The present age marvels at man’s conquests of the forces of nature.

Yet, this age of energ}^ can only be triumphant when man can know and then direct and con- trol the more important forces within himself.

The laws of physical science are universal and apply equally to living organisms and so called inanimate things. The supposition was entertained that natural objects which to our senses seemed at rest were absolutely devoid of any internal motion.

Molecules and their constituents are never at rest and swift and orderly movements are constantly in progress among and within them. There is no such thing as immobility.

“Water, to the eye of the poet, the symbol of peace and rest, its flow a quiet, continuous gliding movement, viewed through the molecular spectacles of science, presents a picture compared with which the most frenzied struggles of a fighting mob is almost absolute stillness. So the electric fluid when it is forced into the limelight of searching inquiry, undergoes a similar transformation. Every phenomenon in nature is dependent upon matter in motion or vibration and energy is employed to designate the modes of motion in the universe.

8 HUMAN ENERGY The first principle of energetics is, all physical phenom- ena (\’ital or chemical), are forms of motion.

A11 these forms are susceptible of change into one another, and in all the transformations the quantity of mechanical work represented b}’ different modes of motion remains invariable. Atomic energy- like matter, in accordance vdih the law of the Conser*ation of Energ}’, is indestructible and un- creatable.

Energ}’ is differentiated as potential and kinetic. The total energy in matter is dependent upon the extent to which it can be changed.

As long as energ}- changes neither in position nor in amount in space, ‘It belongs to the unseen and eternals” The latter is no longer tenable. Xo dehcate apparatus has been discovered by science to re\’eal the rhythmatic changes in the energ}- field by revol-ing electrons.

Some of the lowliest organisms however are endowed with this per- ceptive apparatus. The author’s visceral reflexes show that the potential or slumbering energ}- is detectable and, if energ}- is work and the latter is a function of motion, energ}- in repose is a misstatement.

Our present conception of matter presumes a cyclic or \dbrator}- motion of electrons and it continues as potential energ}- until transformed into actual energy by some exciting energ}- from without. The latter supposes a current of energ}- or transference of atomic energ}- in space. “Energ}- is like water-power—potential in the lake, actual in the waterfall or river’.” Ever}- h-ing being is a transformer of energ}- converting the en\ironmental energy into mechanical motion, heat and nervous energ}-. The sun is the direct source of all the energ}- animating the earth’s surface.

RADIATIONS Human energy.—Investigations of all ages have espoused the theory of human radiations. To some, the organism is compared to a Voltaic battery which emits something akin to electricity. The hagiologist conciliates the reality of radiations by referring to the auras in ancient pictures around the heads and bodies of Christ and the saints.

The phenomena of light in materialization have been witnessed and accepted by notable scientists as spiritistic phenomena. Of superstition, it has been said, that it is true psychology with the wrong dress. The writer is convinced that the phenomena are realities independent of disembodied spirits and can be referred to the manifestations of human energy. Disocculting the occult will be possible when one attains a better understand- ing of the activities of living cells and when the biologist shall know the laws that govern cell-growth with the accuracy of the scientist knowing his laws. The depths of the sea teem with luminous fish, crusta- ceans and zoophytes (animal light).

Luminous phenomena (photisms) have been coincident with many conversions. The theory of exteriorization is supported by the occul- tist in his reference to the perispirit and astral body. Every individual, it is maintained, is enveloped in a radiance (Aura) invisible to the carnal eye and only perceived by the soul accustomed to it. Perception of the aura is the supposed prerogative of clairvoyance but Kilner^ has shown that any one can observe the “atmosphere” surrounding the human body by aid of chemical screens notably, one containing a solution of dicyanin which, by partially paralyzing the retinal rods and cones causes visibility of the aura in a darkened room.

10 HUMAN ENERGY Kilner does not explain the auric force.

The aura is probably energy-discharge. In a letter from Dr. Kilner, the latter obser\’es: “Your opinion that the aura is only energy emanating from the body corresponds entirely with mine, only I have ex- pressed it in a different manner. I have tried to see it on the dead body but have always failed to do so.” Confirmation of the aura is established by the demon- stration of a neurodynamic field (page 80). In heakh the aura is symmetrical. In hysteria, the aura instead of gradually diminishing and reaching its narrowest limits not higher than the lower half of the thigh (as in health), suddenly contracts to its final breadth at a short distance from the pubes. In epilepsy, at any time, the width of the aura is markedly increased on one side which inequality is more con- spicuous in women than in men (Kilner).

The N-rays of Blondlot, supposed to emanate from the bod}^ and detected by the fluorescence of a phosphorescent screen, have been relegated to oblivion. The writers’ investigations^ which preceded those of Blondlot were abandoned owing to the difficulty of eliminating the per- sonal equation which permitted one to perceive what one expected to perceive (expectant attention). Holmes, I assume, is sponsor for the epigram that some people believe that their personality is limited by their physical exterior but as far as he himself was concerned, it extended some distance. Leon Denis % contended that, the psychical being is not confined within the limits of the body but that radiations are exteriorized like the Hertzian waves. They arouse impressions in sensitive people vary- ing according to the d\Tiamic condition of such persons; visions, voices or movements. The latter conception correspends to that of Reichenbach and others, respecting a force variously called odic, vital, electric and magnetic which is exteriorized in an unlimited field and manifested by varied mediumistic or psychological phenomena. Baraduc^, contends that each segment in our organism (cerebral, pulmonary, gastric and genital), has a radioactivity of its own, an area of vibrations varying in nature; that, owing to their power of emanation, they may exert a telepathical influence, a kind of wireless telegraphic action over the passive radioactivity of another person in a condi- tion of vital hypotension.

Grasset cites the following from Bue {Le, Magnetisme curatlf): “One may easily get a clear idea of the impression made on plants by our radiant action, by operating with hyacinth or tulip bulbs.” In his spectroscopic studies of the human rays’. Hooker contends that the color of the radiations are utilizable in determining definite temperamental conditions. Clerk-Maxwell, observed that progress was symbolized in the clock, the balance and the foot-rule. Implying there- by, if we could time, weigh and measure, facts in heu of theories could be submitted.

Until observations are ex- pressed numerically, all data concerning radiations must be limited to the realms of speculation. Philosophism, the refuge of the scientifically destitute, can never substitute objectivity in scientific research. There are more false facts than theories and the true scientist does not hesitate to preside at the birth of a theory and officiate at its burial on the morrow. Energy liberated by the organism appears in mechani- cal, thermal and electrical form.

Apparatus devised for recognizing or measuring radia- tions embrace the biometer of Lucas, the magnetometer of Fortin and Baraduc, the Sthenometer of Joire and a variety 12 HUMAN ENERGY of dynamoscopes. Some are practically sensitive Galvano- meters and the essential factor of other apparatus is a light and unstead}’ needle of straw (Sthenometer) or metal enclosed in a glass case, which is attracted or repelled by the approach of the fingers. The apparatus in question lack constancy of action and are therefore impracticable. It is unnecessar}- to discover a new form of energs’ to make any apparatus of value insomuch as all forms of energy specified as kinetic, gra-itational, radiant, etc., are merely protean manifestations of the same thing as their inter- convertibility is conceded. i Action currents.—Physiologists have established the follow-ing: —

1. Electrical currents appear in the body when a muscle or nerve is active and such currents are inti- mately associated with the functional condition of the tissue.
2. These action currents correspond to the general law that ever}^ active portion of nerve or muscle main- tains a negative relation toward the resting part, i. e., the active muscle and ners^e show a negative electrical reaction toward the resting structures.
3. The action currents are sufficiently strong to have a stimulating action of their own. The electric phenomena in the li\’ing body (electrobiology) have recently been studied from a diagnostic \dewpoint by Baines and Bo\Tnan.

Electropathology.—In Chicago, September 30, 1913, the writer gave his first pubHc demonstrations of recogniz- ing and measuring human energ}’ in health and disease. In 1914, Baines and Bowman, pubhshed’ the result of at least thirty years research work, which has an impor- tant bearing on my previous observations.

A s>’nopsis of their work is as follows : ELECTROPATHOLOGY 13 “^ The living cell constantly forms biogens (a compound formed only as a result of vital action). The chemical reactions of the cell are dependent on protoplasm which belongs to the coHoids (non-jiQiiductors of electricity). Crystalloid s, the other cellular constituents, are conductors of electricity. In emulsion colloids, if the reaction is alkaline the charge is always negative, and it is positiveTlf acid. Physiologic action is associated with electrical phenomena which are demonstrable by a sensitive Galvanometer. The history of Electrophysiology is a record of contradictions due to a disregard of the following fundamental factors :

1.
Chemical generation of nerve force in the body.

2. Presence in the latter of great conductive and in- ductive capacity; and
3. The conductive and inductive capacity of every liquid and every moist substance or object.

The human generates electricity statically by muscular movement—but this charge can be dissipated almost in- stantly by placing the body in contact with an earth plate of low resistance. Its great conductive and electrostatic capacity is likewise known because the insulated body can be charged to a very high potential.

The body may be likened to a collection of storage cells, which are liable to become highly charged, or to have their charge altered by any direct or passing current, or exciting influence. Elec- tromotive force continues even when the body is absolutely motionless, hence the theory of chemical generation of nerve force.

Electricity in the body must be constantly dis- charged, otherwise the electrical pressure would become unbearable.

The skin, the body insulator, is not of uni- form high resistance. Sign, electromotive force and cur- rent vary with the individual. Whereas the generation of electricity in the body may be constant, its dissipation cannot be so by reason of the varying conditions of external conductivity.

The sign of the current is not always the same. Taking the right hand (as a whole) as one terminal, and the left hand as another terminal of the body, one person may be negative and the other positive.

In this respect the bod}’ resembles a Galvanic cell whose terminals, electromotive force and internal resistance are unkno\Ti until tested and ascertained. Investigators have ignored the tension and sign of the atmosphere in the test- ing room, which have always been unknown quantities.

The Electromotive forces are liable to -ariation by the following heretofore ignored factors: .7-0 Ga.lu Fig. I.—Method of testing (Baines and Bowman).

1. Number of persons present and their respective electrical signs and electromotive forces.
2. Nature of liquids employed in moistening the electrodes.
3. Degree of absorption of material on electrodes. 4. Area of electrodes; and 5. Amount of moisture present in the subject examined. The apparatus used are a sensitive Astatic mirror Gal- vanometer, short-circuit key, flexible wire, electrodes and ELECTROPATHOLOGY 15 contacts.

Unfortunately the apparatus is not portable, it cannot be installed within a mile of an electric railway or mains carrying current of high potential by reason of induc- tion, which will yield only negative results. It must not be subjected to vibration, Intlamation.—Augmented temperature acting upon the nerve sheaths by decreasing resistance causes a leakage or short circuit, i. e., the nerve current from the affected parts passes into wet tissue, thus depriving the vessels of their supply. If the part a (Fig. i) were an inflamed area, the deflection of the needle from “A” to a would be higher

Fig.

2.—Scale upon which deflections are recorded in milUmeters (Baines and Bowman).

than from “A” to 6, and the rapidity of deflection would be in proportion to the acuity of the inflammation. Cure of inflammation is based on restoring the insulation of the nerve sheath by dielectrical treatment. Neurasthenia.—The Galvanometer scale is divided into 300 millimeters on each side of zero (Fig. 2). In health, the hand to hand deflection should be 250 to 300 mm., rising steadily and becoming constant at whatever point it halted. In neurasthenia, the Hght is never at rest and the deflections may be anything from 5 to 90 mm.

It be both positive and negative, moving slowly and erratically backwards and forwards. Irregularity, fluctua- tion and insufficiency of nerve energ}’ characterize this disease.

Improvement was effected in these cases and noted objectively (increased and steady needle deflections) by ha^^.ng the patients constantly wear a belt carr}-ing two circular silver plates, one in contact ^\ith the spine and the other Anth the abdomen, just above the navel.

To the plates a dr\’ cell (electromotive force of i \^olt) was con- nected (—terminal to back and + to abdominal plate). Epilepsy.—The essential neuro-electrical phenomena are low body and high head deflections, subnormal body and high head temperature and a point of least resistance at some cranial point from which during an aura, or during and after an attack, an abnormally high deflection can be eUcited. The comparative data obtainable are as foUows: Healthy sltbject.—Normal temperature; hand to hand deflection, 250 mm., positive; head deflections, approximately, 270 mm.; above navel, 200 mm.; spinal cord, 240 to 200 mm. Epileptic.—Temperature, 95.6° F.; hand to hand de- flections, 120 mm. (positive or negative); head deflections during an aura or after a parox}’sm, 700 rmn. (shunted do^^^l); above navel, 10 mm., spinal cord, 10 mm., point of least resistance on skull, 1200 mm., (shunted down to scale limit). The direct cause of a parox\’sm is a species of neuro-electrical brain storm* and nature creates a path of least resistance to the passage of the current somewhere in *It was Charcot, I believe, who made a similar analogy to hysteria when he referred to it as an electric explosion (sex manifestation) resulting from lack of ground-wire.

ELECTKOPATHOLOGY 17 the skull {safety valve) which is located by noting the area from which the highest head deflection is obtained. Bromides in this disease act by checking generation of nerve force. This is tantamount to the action of bromide in photography by checking development. Good results are achieved by shunting the nerve current from the head to the body. If the hair covering the safety valve is re- moved, and a small silver plate is fastened upon it (by adhesive plaster) and a belt carrying a silver plate (with a terminal) is placed around the waist so as to make contact Fig. 3.—Illustrating the “clock test” in canrer (Baines and Bowman). with the skin just above the navel, and both plates are connected by a wire of low resistance, the deflections and temperature will in a few days go to normal.

During an aura, no fit will ensue if the head is at once wetted with hot salt water which decreases skin resistance and provides an easy exit for the current. Cancer.—The essential diagnostic feature is the dielec- tric character of the growth which interposes a high resis- tance to the passage of electricity through it, or being in all probabihty an absolute non-conductor. Fig. 3 represents the “clock test” i.