W. R. Dunham - The Science of Vital Force (1894)

7/27/2019 W. R. Dunham - The Science of Vital Force (1894)

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FOKCE.


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THE

Science of Vital Force.ITS PLAN, DIVISION OF FUNCTION,

AND OPERATIVE METHODS INHEALTH AND DISEASE.

AN INVOLUNTARY AGENCY OF NATURE THAT* CAN BE HARNESSED AND UTILIZED.

ABYW. R. DUNHAM, M.D.

AUTHOR OF "HIGHER MEDICAL CULTURE."

BOSTON:I

DAMRELL AND UPHAM,GTJje (Bin Corner ^Bookstore*

1894.

i


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Copyright, 189$,By J. S. Dunham.

Samtatts 3PressJohn Wilson and Son, Cambridge, U. S. A.


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CONTENTS.PAGE

Introduction 7

I. Statement of the Situation ... 9II. The Plan of Operative Vital

Force. Division of Duties andUltimate Functions 21III. Application of Vital Principles

and Significant Paragraphs . . 34IV. Ultimate Vital Properties ... 50V. Fundamental Principles in Kela-

tions with Disease 77VI. Disease Germs 108VII. Toleration 124

VIII. Medical Practice 131IX. Sensation and Sensibility . . . . 151X. Pneumonia 167XI. Miscellaneous Paragraphs . . . 180


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INTRODUCTION.

nr*HE object of this volume is to designate-*- and demonstrate the fundamental prin-

ciples of The Science op Vital Force, adepartment of natural science that is directlyapplicable to the preservation of health andthe treatment of disease. It is implied infundamental principles and laws of Naturenot yet recognized and presented for consid-eration, and is a department of science thatwill require a large amount of literature toillustrate its practical application to individ-ual and national affairs. It also implies a rev- ^/olution of the recognized plan and principlesof a department that has been erroneouslypresented, a revolution as significant aswas effected in the ideal change of the centreof the solar system, and the principles in-


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8 INTRODUCTION.volved being as capable of a positive demon-stration. We allege that medical practice,both regular and irregular, is based on imagi-nary fundamental principles as unreal as wasthe Ptolemaic system of astronomy, on theo-ries that are insufficient for the safe guid-ance of treatment, and dangerous in theirapplication.

Stoneham, Mass.


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.

STATEMENT OF THE SITUATION.Every now and then a man's mind is stretched by a new

idea, and never shrinks back to its former dimensions.O. W. Holmes.TT 7E shall call attention to a department* * of natural science not taught in the

schools and institutions of learning, a sci-ence implied in that agency called " vitalforce," a subject referred to in medical litera-ture as being too profound for this age, andwhich is thus relegated to future generationsfor a solution. It is a department awaitingthe recognition of living outgrowths of actualprinciples in Nature.

This science is not capable of being veri-fied from accepted fundamental principles


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10 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.

now recognized, but can be demonstrated inthe functions of the living human organism.The nature and laws of the force of gravita-tion have been solved, and are now beingtaught as operative in astronomical science,while that agency called " vital force " is re-ceiving little or no consideration from anydepartment of literature. We shall presentmany nice distinctions for adjustment; andthe differentiation of the operative signifi-cance of the agencies called " mind," " life,"and " vital force," may not appear distinct atfirst, but will be defined later. We shall,however, deal mostly with the operativemethods and functions of that agency called" vital force," as applied to the human organ-ism in the matter of health and disease.

It is difficult at first to recognize that inthe department of living nature a seriousmistake has been made relative to the fun-damental operative principles, that a differentplan, wholly unlike what is now taught, ex-plains better, and correctly, the situation.


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 11In illustration of the premises to be con-

sidered, no better comparison can be madethan by reference to the condition of thescience of astronomy in the time of Ptolemy.At that time all were familiar with astro-nomical phenomena, but the mind had failedto grasp the plan making it possible to ex-plain how such phenomena were produced.Thus they were trying to explain appearancesfrom an imaginary basis. Medical theoriesare now projected from similar premises.That is, a great variety of the phenomenapresented by the living human organism arealleged to be produced by an active princi-ple, not vital, an agency wholly imaginary.The vital force agency, as implied in the ulti-mate functions of operative life-processes, isa subject confessed in medical literature tobe outside the realm of comprehension.Therefore, the recognition of the science ofvital force must be implied in the develop-ment of new ideas of Nature's methods.We are informed in history that the an-


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12 THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE.cient scholar Pliny, who lived previous to thethird century a. d., gave credit to Acron asbeing the first to apply philosophical reason,in explanation of medicinal relations, to thehuman organism. And to him this genera-tion is indebted for that unfortunate inter-pretation, which has been perpetuated to ourday, in the recognition of an " active medicalprinciple." We allege, and shall demonstrate,that the doctrine of " active medical prop-erty" is a misnomer in phraseology, and anideal delusion of serious and great magni-tude in its application.What is now alleged to be an "active medi-

cal principle" was formerly called a "medicalpower " an ideal and imaginary agency,which is said to be in association with mate-rial medicine, that may operate and act on theorgans of the living human system. We arealso required to give credit to the same au-thority for the originality of the recognitionof a different and undefined agency, whichwas presumed to find its way into the human


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE. 13system, and to operate disastrously to thewell being of the individual ; which disturb-ance was called " disease."

If Acron was correct in his interpreta-tions, there is illustrated a singular incident,worthy of eulogistic commemoration for alltime, implied in that keen perception of in-tellect which was capable of grasping thenature and plan of such relations, whichhave ever remained satisfactory with all latergenerations ; while that less mysteriouslyprofound problem of determining the cen-tre of the solar system awaited the adventof Copernicus more than twelve centurieslater.

This imaginary agency " active medicalprinciple" has been equally as acceptableand satisfactory to cultured civilization forcenturies as was the ancient ideal centre ofthe solar system. Thus there has seemed tobe no occasion for overhauling the allegedplans and methods of Nature that are im-plied in such relations, which practically


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14 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.inflict immeasurable and serious inconven-ence upon cultured and civilized nations.Acron recognized an " active cause of dis-

ease," possessed of a riotous disposition, andalso an alleged " medical power," now called" active medical property," which was pre-sumed to put to rout the former invader,restore order, and exercise curative influence.The reader of modern medical literature

of the present day will discover but slightmodification of fundamental premises, unlikethose presented for consideration by the an-cient mind. The ideal " active cause of dis-ease" is still recognized as a disturbingagent, associated with some kind of materialand alleged " disease germs." The princi-ple of activity, formerly called "a medicalpower," is now changed to an " active medi-cal property ; " at the same time, however,the phrase " medical power " is of commonuse in medical literature. Vital force is rec-ognized as that agency which executes theconstructive organic function and structural


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE. 15repairs ; and also as exercising in disease aninfluence called the " efforts of nature."And what the vital force is not alleged to do,in the name of " efforts of nature," is pre-sumed to be done by that reserve force ofalleged practical utility called the " activemedical property," which is accepted as ca-pable of temporarily operating the functionalmachinery of human life until the vital forcerallies to the rescue.

If medical literature means anything, suchis the true representation of the existingsituation in the department of alleged medi-cal science.

Notwithstanding that such ideas are sup-ported by the doctrines of current medicalliterature, we shall try to illustrate the fact,through the Science of Vital Force, that thecause of disease is passive, and also that thedoctrine of an " active medical property " isa delusion. The active properties are allvital, although an eminent medical writer ofthis generation thus states : " This generation


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16 THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE.and generations to come will have passed totheir everlasting rest before a discovery ofthe secret of vital activity is made." Thisdiscovery is already made, to be illustrated inthe Science of Vital Force ; and when under-stood, which is not a difficult matter, cul-tured civilization will recognize that thefundamental doctrines of alleged medicalscience are as crude and inapplicable as theancient astronomical doctrine advanced byPtolemy.

This whole matter is easy of comprehensionwhen considered from a correct standpoint.No one could comprehend the Copernicansystem of astronomy with Ptolemaic ideas.No one can understand the nature of vitalforce while seeking to explain the manifesta-tion of living phenomena as being producedby some agency, not vital, that was actingon the human organism.

In our efforts to present intelligently thenature, laws, and operative methods of vitalforce, we are required to begin with a


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE. 17

recognition unlike that which prevails withthe agency called "the force of gravitation,"in which department it is not possible torecognize more than one method, one ultimatefunction ; while the science of vital force isimplied in a compound primary function, andin four different, equally ultimate methods ofvital action, a fact apparently not recog-nized by medical writers and scientists.

In calling attention to this department ofNature, we doubtless may be laboring underdisadvantages similar to those which existedwhen it was sought to make acceptable theidea of a different centre of the solar system.The already accepted centre was so satisfac-tory that it required more skill to eliminatethe false doctrine than to explain the har-mony, utility, and advantage of the naturalplan implied in a different centre. The the-ory and doctrine of " active medical proper-ties " has been accepted for more than fifteencenturies without a recognized protest con-sidered worthy of review ; and like seeing the


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sun revolve around the earth, both culturedand uncultured minds have seen what this" active medical property" was doing, pro-vided we accept this testimony. We confessthat it will be difficult in this age of intelli-gence to eliminate long cherished ideas, andto accept the situation we allege, without thepresentation of a volume of incontrovertibletestimony from Nature.At first we are confronted with this rational

inference, that it does not seem credible thatthe analytical mind, particularly of the lasthalf century, could have been mistaken inthe nature of this problem. The same, how-ever, was doubtless said of the ideal earth-centre of the solar system, after thirteenhundred years of acceptance, when Copernicusrecorded his protest. This science is notobscured by its profundity, but it has simplybeen over-looked, existing in a place wherethe human mind has never had occasion tomake research. It has remained amongthe hidden mysteries of Nature, largely


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE, 19because there has been accepted an idealsubstitute for vital force, an agency notvital, called the " active medical principle."Every department of natural science exe-

cuted by the forces of Nature is presentedin accordance with a pre-arranged plan ; andunless we recognize the correct plan, it isimpossible to comprehend the operative pro-ceedings of that special department. Tomake plain the distinction between theaccepted plan as now taught, and the planthat we are to suggest for the study of thisdepartment of Nature implied in the Scienceof Vital Force, we would say that the presentaccepted, erroneous, and ideal plan is im-plied in three unlike divisions of allegedactive principles, the active vital principle,the principle implied in the " active causeof disease," and the " active medical prop-erty ; " whereas the plan that we shall al-lege and demonstrate is implied in onekind of active principle, the active vital


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20 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.principle, having four distinct ultimate vitalproperties.The difference of plan as an intellectual

question implies an operative distinction equalto the difference between the two allegedcentres of the solar system.


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II.

THE PLAN OF OPERATIVE VITAL FORCE. DIVI-SION OF DUTIES AND ULTIMATE FUNCTIONS.

"\ HTAL power is that active principle^ which constructs and preserves the

human organism, executing its mission inthe universe with as much precision and con-formity to law and method as prevails in thedepartments of inorganic science. The inor-ganic force called "gravitation" executesthose changeable phenomena presented inastronomical science, while the vital forceexecutes those phenomena of natural scienceimplied in conditions of health and disease,and operative proceedings which succeedfrom medicinal relations.The study of the human system as now

taught in the schools has its beginning withphysiological functions and anatomical struc-


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22 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.tures; while with the plan implied in theScience of Vital Force it is required that webegin further back, that we make research,and determine what divisions there may beof ultimate vital functions that enable suchphysiological functions and anatomical struc-tures to be thus executed and arranged. Inother words, we must determine what con-stitute the essential and primary divisions oflife functions, that as a whole make possiblethe execution of such proceedings. To saythat such are organic human life functions,undefined, is not sufficient. It is necessaryto grasp in idea certain great and underlyingprimal principles of organic human life, thathave beginning and existence even beforephysiological and anatomical functions canbe made operative.We are about to start on an important

journey of ideal research, a research thatmay reward us with a correct recognition ofthe nature of vital force. Therefore it isnecessary to determine something that vital


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 23

force does, that we can call by a name, some isolated ultimate function that can bedefined and demonstrated beyond all contro-versy. And whatever such function (or func-tions) may be, it will be that somethingwhich is done, which constitutes its nature.We are at the most critical stage of this idealbeginning; and we must begin right, andmake sure that none who come after uscan recognize a function and method of thisagency which we fail to discover; also thatwhat we define will be so susceptible ofdemonstration that no contradiction can besupported. We cannot recognize its naturein a single ultimate function that can beexpressed as a unit; but we are required tointerpret its nature as existing in four units,four beginnings, four different functions, each unlike the other, and no part of theother; each an ultimate function that can bedefined, verified, and demonstrated in unmis-takable phenomena presented by the livinghuman organism, constituting in its four


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divisions and unlike functions of vital prop-erties the complete total and aggregate ofvital methods, from which basis all the sub-sequent operations of life, in health anddisease, are dependent. And we make useof the following names and terms as beingrepresentative of such four ultimate vitalproperties: Sensibility, Instinct, Sensation,and Contractility.We shall but briefly outline the function

and distinction of each vital property inthis place, but later will take up each divi-sion with a more extended illustration.

Sensibility. This term is used to representcertain life abilities comprised in all thevariety of brain functions and consciousintelligence. This vital property is impliedin the ability to command and execute volun-tary acts, having perceptive abilities thatmay recognize things, conditions, and rela-tions both in contact with the organism andexternal and beyond contact ; that is, at alldistances. It is the mind property, that


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 25property of life which superintends all thevoluntary acts.

Instinct. This is a vital property whollyunlike sensibility. It presides over the in-voluntary acts, superintending the construc-tion of the organic body. Sensibility volun-tarily supplies the material for constructivepurpose, while instinct superintends the useand application of such material in theprocess of organic growth. The instinctsuperintends not only the disposition to bemade of nutritive material, but the methodof eliminating all foreign material that hasbeen introduced into the human organism byaccident or design. Instinct, as an ultimatevital property, has no other function exceptto superintend conditions, and to dispose ofmaterial having contact relations with theliving organism. Sensibility is the com-mander-in-chief of the voluntary acts, whileinstinct is commander-in-chief of all invol-untary acts manifested by the living organism.Instinct is a vital property pervading all the


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26 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.living tissues, while sensibility is a vitalproperty not pervading all the tissues.

Sensation. This is a vital property whosefunction is wholly unlike those already men-tioned. It is a vital property expressed bycertain nerves, whose function is implied inconveying information of existing conditionsand the presence of material contacts bothto sensibility and to instinct. That is, com-paratively speaking, sensation is a kind oftelegraph that makes known to the other vitalproperties, or enables such other vital proper-ties to hold practical relations with, existingconditions and material contact relations,relations that may require attention from oneor both of those vital properties beforementioned.The means through which this vital prop-

erty communicates such facts are implied inan experience of varied sensations called" feelings," which are produced by contacts,and which are implied in all kinds of sensa-tions, from exquisite sensational pleasures to


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28 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.disease. Sensibility executes its function atall distances, while sensation executes func-tion only at insensible distances developed bycauses existing in immediate contact. Inmedical literature the terms " sensibilityand " sensation " are used as synonyms intheir application to the affairs of the humanorganism, obscuring all idea of difference be-tween the functions of the two unlike vitalproperties, the term "sensation" being fre-quently used for a brain function, while theterm " sensibility " is made applicable to therepresentation of existing feelings of thelower extremities ; thus making it as impos-sible to solve and comprehend many of theproblems of human life affairs as it wouldbe to solve mathematical problems withoutdistinction of idea between the applicationof division and multiplication.

Contractility. This is a vital propertymanifested by the contraction and alternaterelaxation of muscular fibre.

This property may be considered as an in-


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We trust the reader will recognize thedistinction implied between the direct and theindirect operation of a vital property. Thescience of vital force is implied in a greatmultiplicity of such distinctions.

We have thus outlined briefly the functionof each of the ultimate vital properties andthe unlike duties they perform, which in theaggregate are operative in producing all thevisible phenomena presented by the livinghuman organism. We trust the reader willbe able to determine that one vital propertyis not the other, and that the problems oforganic human life have their solution pred-icated on the nature and executive functionsof the co-operative vital properties.

It is apparent that each of the ultimatevital properties executes unlike functions,while it requires the exercise of all those vitalproperties to execute physiological functionand to construct anatomical product. Thuswe trust that the premises are made clear;


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 31that we begin with a study of life functions,which antedate physiological functions.

Reader, have you any exceptions to filerelative to the number of ultimate vital prop-erties, more or less ; and whether or not suchfunctions as mentioned are entitled to be con-sidered as ultimate vital properties ? Canyou recognize in the human organism anyvital function not entitled to be included inthe four properties described ? Do you thinkNature does, or does not, supply and presentthe existence of ultimate functions that canbe verified, in order to demonstrate thecorrectness of the working plan as herepresented ?To understand the nature of disease,

not its appearance, but how it is produced, and how to prevent and how to cure, andhow to take advantage of fleeting opportuni-ties ; and also to understand the relation ofmateria medica to the human system, in addi-tion to the knowledge of its relational effects,it is essential to become familiar with the


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32 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.operative and co-operative functions of thefour vital properties in all the affairs ofhuman life. And while it was necessary toeliminate the ideal earth-centre of the solarsystem to enable the science of astronomy tobe developed, it will be equally importantand imperative to eliminate the doctrine ofideal " active medical property," that idealand imaginary agency which is presumed toact and exercise an influence with the invol-untary department of human life affairs.

This doctrine and idea of " active medicalproperty" has been kept alive and perpetu-ated by a conventional acceptance based onappearances, which is wholly in violation ofthe nature of things, and as unreal of cor-rect representation as the alleged earth-centre,and having no more scientific meaning thana telegraphic cypher code.

It ic a singular fact that in the study ofthis subject we are confronted with a verypeculiar paradox. Notwithstanding this doc-trine of " active medical property " consti-


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 33tutes a serious obstacle in the pathway of arecognized science of vital force, it is notpossible to eliminate such delusion until acomprehension and recognized demonstrationcan be developed of the nature and functionsof the ultimate properties of vital force, andof their co-operative methods of procedurein the affairs of health and disease. Aknowledge of the special function of each ofthe ultimate vital properties, and of their co-operative relations, contributes to a compre-hension of the nature of every variety ofdisease, its proper treatment and the modusoperandi of medicine. Such knowledge con-tributes an advantage equal to that which theknowledge of the first four principles ofarithmetic contributes to the solution of prob-lems in higher mathematics, and is no lessindispensable.


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III.

APPLICATION OF VITAL PRINCIPLES ANDSIGNIFICANT PARAGRAPHS.

TT 7E shall call attention to the applica-tion of separate vital properties in

execution of physiological functions, onlysufficient to make illustration of simpleproblems that may lead to the elucidation ofthe more complex.The vital property, sensibility, makes use

of the voluntary, contractility, to introducewithin the stomach the nutritive materialnecessary for organic constructive purposes.After this material has been thus introduced,the vital property, sensation, enables thefact of such presence to be known to theinstinct, which in its turn superintends andmakes useful the involuntary, contractility,in connection with physical principles, to


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE. 35inaugurate physiological proceedings, thatis, to transform said nutritive material intopart and parcel of the tissues of the livinghuman organism.

It is not necessary to trace such applica-tion in detail as applied to physiologicalfunctions, but sufficient only to connect theunderlying principles implied in such func-tions, with the execution of physiologicalproceedings. Provided the sensibility hasby accident introduced within the stomachsome kind of foreign material (material notof possible use for constructive purpose ; forinstance, lobelia), the vital property, sensa-tion, in connection with instinct, discoverssuch fact, and employs the involuntary,contractility, to execute the act of emesis, thus illustrating that the vital property,instinct, has the ability to correct some ofthe errors of sensibility; and also that in-stinct presides over all material that hasfound its way into the human organism,using nutritive and eliminating foreign.


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86 THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE.All material of every kind, when introducedwithin the human organism, is subject tosuch disposal by the involuntary vital proper-ties as its true relation requires.

Instinct, without the aid of sensibility orwill, directs many acts of self-preservationand defence. Such proceedings are said tobe something that "Nature has done," indistinction to what is presumed, in accord-ance with the old plan, that some otheragency might do. Vital force in otherwords Nature does it all. Material doesnot act, and is without active principles;the vital principle does the acting. And itmay act spontaneously for self-defence, orfrom invitation, by supplied medicinal rela-tion. When invited by medicine, it isNature the active vital principle whichacts. Medicinal contact causes a sensation,to which instinct responds with an involun-tary act. The vital property, instinct, super-intends all the involuntary doing; and noother agency exercises operative relations


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE. 37with the affairs of organic life in health anddisease.The functions of sensibility and instinct

may be independent of each other in certainaffairs, but not in all affairs. Sensibilitymust furnish instinct with the material forconstructive purposes; and when properlyconstructed, those premises are made toexist, which make it possible to exercisethe function of sensibility.

With the conditions of disease, the in-stinct directly superintends and directs theactivities of disturbance, although in manycases sensibility can to a limited degree indi-rectly guide, with more or less moderation,many of those actions. The use of medicinein its practical relation affords the supply ofa contact-cause for moderating and divert-ing the actions of the instinctive vital agency, thus enabling us to effect the guidance ofthose actions which instinct superintends,and vital force operates. Vital force is theactive agent that operates the functions of the


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38 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.vital properties, while those vital propertiessuperintend the voluntary and involuntarycomplex operations of human life. We can-not, however, recognize vital force as anagency independent of those functions.

Medicine has no " active principles " ofoperative influence within itself ; but its pres-ence may be a cause which may occasion theinvoluntary active vital principle to actdifferently. Thus we may indirectly cause,to a limited extent, such involuntary vitalactivity as is thought best to have executedunder the existing circumstances. Thistheory may be illustrated in making use ofipecacuanha to cause a sensation of nausea,which sensation appeals to instinct, to makeoperative that involuntary contractility whichejects the contents of the stomach. Onesimple problem understood is as instructiveas a thousand similar problems.A very important practical idea to be keptin view, in guiding the active vital principle,like the guiding of an unruly horse, is to


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They think they need more practical facts,not theories. Such is not true. It is atheory that can be demonstrated, that willcontribute most to the advancement of med-ical science even practically. What isneeded at the present time is a theory thatwill afford a correct idea of the nature ofevery form of disease, and how produced, the nature and law of the operating activevital principle, which is ever present in eachcase and at all stages of the disease ; also acorrect idea and comprehension of the rela-tion of medicine to the human organism.Neither of these departments at the presenttime are even claimed in medical literatureto be within the grasp of comprehension.Correct theory holds the same relation to ascientific medical practice that the mariner'scompass holds to the ship's sailing master:it is a guide for the management of thecraft. And while the medical professionabjure the value of theory, and call forfacts, they are perpetuating a culture of the


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most absurd and dangerous theory that everwrought misery and destruction to a civilizedpeople.The fallacious medical theory of profes-

sional adoption, and the contagious low idealof medical science which pervades the non-professional mind, enable medicine merchantsquickly to become millionnaires at the ex-pense of ignorance and unimproved invalid-ism, and allow ignorance to compete withintelligence in the treatment of the sick,being responsible also for charlatanry andthe medical robberies in this age of civiliza-tion. Intelligence does not count for muchwith many sick people. It is the wonderfulcurative medical agency of discovery whichdoes the business, and which is entitled tothe highest consideration. Thus it is ofminor importance from whose hands it maybe supplied.

It is claimed in medical literature that the" active medical principle " in certain doseswill act medicinally, while a larger dose will


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thrust upon civilization in the name of anu active medical principle." The Ptolemaictheory of astronomy prevailed for thirteenhundred years without a record of protest.The doctrine of an "active medical principle,"an alleged agency not vital, has been acceptedsince the days of Acron, dating back to nearthe beginning of the Christian era, and isequally as fallacious.

Medical literature constitutes a vast store-house of valuable and practical facts, butconfesses ignorance of the nature, method,and laws of the vital force which createssuch facts, alleging that some other agency,not vital, is concerned in their production.It alleges also that it is u impossible in thepresent state of science to come to any posi-tive conclusion in regard to the nature of thevital force." But there is no other nature tovital force except what is implied in the func-tions of the separate ultimate vital proper-ties and their co-operative relations. Whatthey do is their nature. It is impossible to


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IV.

ULTIMATE VITAL PROPERTIES.

TT is not our purpose to present an exhaus-tive treatise of each department, but a

more extended mention than was presented ina previous chapter. We shall, however,endeavor to illustrate each division suffi-ciently to establish a recognition that maybe confirmed by affidavits of Nature'stestimony.

It may be asked whether it is reasonable toanticipate that the theory and science of vitalforce will ever be adopted and become prac-tical ? In reply we can only say that the newplan and science of astronomy was adoptedafter several generations of protest; and it isas reasonable to anticipate that all correcttheories of natural science will be adoptedwhen the human mind outgrows its super-


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There is implied in this vital property,sensibility, an ability to originate ideas andto experience emotions of grief, joy, hope,reverence, and to exercise reason and developa comprehension of those operative principlesof Nature which give variety to the visibleuniverse. The special application we are tomake of this function and division, as appli-cable to our subject, will be largely to illus-trate its existence in distinction from otherultimate vital properties, and its co-operationin association with other life properties.Sleep is implied in a complete temporary sus-pension of the active property, sensibility, a condition from which we may be awak-ened in various ways, and frequently by thevital property of the individual sensation.

In adopting a name for the obscure divisionof this mind property, the most advancedthinkers have coined the phrase "sublim-inal consciousness," as best expressive of anintelligence manifested unlike the ordinaryconsciousness, an intelligence uprising, as


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we might say, from a submerged strata ofindividual personality. And it has beenasked, "Is there some pattern in the veryfabric of our nature which begins to showwhen we scratch the glaze off the stuff ? " Itmay be impossible to define where supralim-inal consciousness leaves off, and subliminalintelligence begins; but such, at least, isnot our purpose. We only desire to callattention to this department in order toillustrate that there is an obscure feature ofhuman intellectual personality of continuedincreasing complexity, a kind of intelli-gence emanating from our obscure selves, ofmysterious operation, not easy of comprehen-sion, and for purposes not wholly recognized.We can no better illustrate this depart-

ment than by mentioning some of theoperations thus executed. What is called" automatic writing " consists of a writtenintelligence from some source, of whosenature and purport the writer's consciousintelligence may have no knowledge, and


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uses the subliminal faculties, and writes in alanguage unknown to his normal conscious-ness, the inference is often accepted that the"spirit" of some distinguished dead personis using this particular organism to commu-nicate with the living. Such incidents, how-ever, are telepathic operations, constitutinga subliminal exchange of intelligence. Thechild's subliminal consciousness is in tele-pathic communication with the same facultyof one who speaks such language.No well-informed person will deny the

existence of the alleged subliminal conscious-ness. Neither is it intellectually prudentto circumscribe the limits and abilities ofsuch division of intellectual function in liv-ing human individuality. That agencywhich has been recognized and given thename of "psychic force" is a factor of thesubliminal consciousness. This comparativerecent discovery of an agency, frequentlypresented unconsciously through the livinghuman organism, is receiving much attention


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE. 61may correct many errors committed by sen-sibility, at the same time sensibility mustfrequently correct and modify the patholo-gical acts operated by this vital property.It may be said that sensibility is a vitalproperty associated alone with the brain,while instinct pervades the whole organism,having its business office associated withnerve ganglions. Instinct may be recognizedas more prominent in early life than sensi-bility, and die later.

It will be noticed that we have given adifferent interpretation to the function ofinstinct than is found to prevail in otherdepartments of literature. Nearly all writ-ers and speakers, in illustrating the functionof animal instinct, will refer to the acts ofthe beaver in building his dam as the mosttypical and generic act representing its appli-cation. The question may arise, whetherin its true import, as a representative func-tion of organic nature, instinct can be madeto do duty in such dual and unlike applica-


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62 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.tion as alleged; that is, as being both repre-sentative of an involuntary vital property,and also a quality of limited voluntary abil-ity ? When one refers to the lexicons todetermine the function of instinct, one willfind both voluntary and involuntary actsdefined as instinctive functions. Websterdefines instinct thus : " Unreasoning impulsein an animal, by which it is guided to theperformance of an action without thought ofimprovement in method. " Professor RobleyDunglison's medical lexicon defines it thus"Inwardly moved; the action of the livingprinciple directing its operations to healthpreservation. The law of instinct is the lawof the living principle." The latter defini-tion supports the function which we haveattributed to instinct.The building of a dam by a beaver is a

voluntary act directed by the brain, thesensibility illustrating a limited degree ofconstructive ability, although it meets therequired wants of the species. The function


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 63we recognize as instinct is directed by aninvoluntary vital property, an involuntary,constructive, preservative, living, activeprinciple. From a scientific standpoint, itwould seem in very bad taste to allow theterm " instinct " to represent both voluntaryand involuntary acts; and in place of defin-ing the instinct of a beaver as illustrated inthe construction of a dam, we claim it wouldbe more appropriate to have it apply to theconstruction of the beaver itself.That portion of Professor Dunglison's defi-

nition, u the law of instinct is the law of theliving principle," constitutes a valuable scien-tific text ; and while the " living principle "cannot be represented by instinct alone,neither can instinct be illustrated and under-stood except in connection with other vitalproperties as applied to the many affairs ofthe operations of life. Will some philologistplease construct a word to take the place of"instinct," that may represent that innateintelligence which enables the animal crea-


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64 THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE.tion to exercise voluntary ability for self-preservation ?

Sensation. This vital property will provevery interesting from a practical standpoint.The function of this property consists inmaking known to both sensibility and in-stinct all existing conditions and materialrelations, normal and abnormal. Sensibilityrelates us to the external world, while sen-sation relates us to the contact world. Vol-untary motion is exercised in response to thewill, while involuntary motion is exercisedby the dictates of instinct in response to asensation. It is through the medium ofsensation that the sensibility, the conscious-ness, becomes able to know many of theconditions and existing relations whichrequire attention from that department; itis also the medium through which instinctbecomes aware of the conditions and rela-tions requiring attention from that vitalproperty.The variety of sensations are as prolific


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66 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.significant distinction between the functionsof those two vital properties.

In illustration of different kinds of sensa-tion we may mention some of those feelings,or sensations, implied in sensational pleas-ures and miseries, taste, smell, heat, cold,itching, smarting, sensational irritabilityundefined, and pain of all degrees, compris-ing a variety of sensations that may be knownby the sensibility. There are very numeroussensations not recognized directly by themind, but which first have relations to theinstinct, and which later, indirectly, are thusknown to have had existence. Such areimplied in many of the causes of disease, tobe illustrated later.The fact that sensations may be produced

by contacts affords opportunity for theirdevelopment at will. Thus sensibility inother words, intellect may learn how toproduce any kind of sensation desirable ; alsohow many sensations are produced which arenot desirable. Those nerves created for


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such purpose are ever on the alert to recog-nize and experience such sensations as be-come a part of the conditions of health anddisease. Sensation must be recognized asan ultimate vital property distinct in itself,and no factor of any other vital property.Sensibility is a vital property having a func-tion which may comprehend the universe;while sensation has no function outside thatpart of the universe not implied in a contactwith the living organism.We insist that an ideal distinction shall

become fixed, relative to the difference be-tween the two functions of sensibility andsensation. No reader can proceed under-standing^ without first developing such arecognition. If we refer to the lexicons fora definition, I fear we shall fail to find adistinction with a difference. And in thereading of medical literature it will beobserved that the most distinguished writerspermit sensibility to be manifested by everypart of the external body, from the toes to


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the crown of the head. No distinction isrecognized between the knowledge of a sen-sation and the sensation itself. The lexi-cons define sensibility as " a capacity to feel, as a frozen limb loses its sensibility. " Insuch an instance the leg has lost its functionof sensation, and the sensibility has becomeaware of the fact.

Consider for a moment what progress couldbe made with the science of numbers, pro-vided its teachers failed to establish an idealdistinction between the fundamental princi-ples of addition and division. We may ac-quire certain knowledge independent of thevital property of sensation, while some kindsof knowledge must be acquired through thatfunction. There are certain facts that maybecome known from two unlike methods.We may perceive through the media of theoptic organs, and thus know, that an injuryhas been done to the external structures;while the sensation called " pain " may alsoenable such fact to be known. There are


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70 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.The practical man may despise such fine-

spun theories, but he should remember thatthis kind of incident is continually beingpresented in the manifestation of active dis-ease, where causes are not recognized to existuntil consequences are developed. He shouldkeep in mind also that the cause of diseaseis not active, but always passive. Health isphysiological vital action, while disease ispathological vital action. Words are ori-ginated for the transportation of ideas ; andunless the original idea is correct, the termmay be misleading.

Medicine is as passive as the cause ofdisease. It does not act ; it has no " activemedical property." Medicine is useful asplaced in contact with the nerves of sensa-tion, to cause instinct to direct a differentinvoluntary vital action more conducive to aspeedy restoration of normal vital function.Thus to be able to use medicine most advan-tageously, to be able to seize the immediateopportunity, to know what to do and what


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72 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.of this property for voluntary duties requir-ing muscular assistance, while instinctmakes use of this property for the executionof involuntary acts requiring muscular effort.The heart is operated by instinct; but someindividuals can exercise sufficient will-powerto modify the heart's action. There maybe degrees of mental emotion sufficient tosuspend completely the heart's action andto cause death. The function of respirationcan be exercised by both the sensibility andthe instinct. This function is performed bya muscular contraction which lifts the ribs,draws them upward nearer the chin, tend-ing to produce a vacuum, which is preventedby the inflowing of atmospheric air. Themuscular contraction and lifting of the ribscan be executed voluntarily; but when thisaction is automatically executed, as in theordinary method, carbonic acid and othermaterial continually accumulate in theblood, and thus come in contact with cer-tain nerves, causing a sensation, to which


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instinct responds with an involuntary con-traction of the muscles, which contractionraises the ribs and enlarges the chest forthe ingress of atmospheric air required forvital purposes. Certain waste material isthus eliminated through the lungs, andfresh air is supplied for further use inlife functions.

Instinct can exercise muscular contrac-tility with those muscles usually operated bythe voluntary abilities, as illustrated inconvulsions caused by strychnia, and also innumerous instances where extreme sensa-tional irritability prevails from variouscauses. The muscular contortions of adecapitated fowl are exercised by instinct.The squirming of eels and other fish latelykilled and subjected to heat, thus causingsensation unknown to consciousness, areresponded to by instinct; and also themuscular actions induced by electrical cur-rents in contact with a decapitated humanbody.


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Elementary material passes upward intochemical compounds, and later into vegetableorganic structures; and it then becomessusceptible of being assimilated into tissuesof animal life structures. In return, itgoes downward into chemical compounds andultimate elements. Thus there is a con-tinual change in organic material, upwardand downward, from a lower to a higherstate of existence and return, an everceaseless change of transformation by thevarious forces of Nature. All material, tobecome susceptible of transformation intoanimal structures, must first be lifted up,and organized by the vital forces of thevegetable kingdom, before it is susceptibleof transformation into the living structuresof animal life.

This previous and required preparationof animal food material conflicts with thealleged legitimacy of the commercial doc-trines of the period, implied in the prepara-tion of chemical compounds to be sold and


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76 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.fed to invalids in the name of " restorativenutrient foods." The vital forces of animallife can transform both organized vegetablestructures and animal tissues into their ownorganism.


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V.FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES IN RELATIONS

WITH DISEASE.

TN the study of the Science of Vital Force,we not only recognize the existence of

the four ultimate vital properties, but alsothat sensibility has a conscious and an un-conscious division of function, that is, asupraliminal and a subliminal intellectualability. Instinct is not such a function ofanimated life as is generally represented ; itis not expressed in a limited degree of volun-tary ability, but in the superintendence ofan involuntary organic function, relative tothe disposal of all kinds of material, bothuseful and otherwise, that are found withinthe citadel of life from accident or intention.

All experienced sensations produced bymaterial contacts relate either to sensibility


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 79We must recognize that each vital property

may act in a manner both normal and abnor-mal. Sensibility may become insane, andinstinct may construct pathological anatomy ;sensation may manifest persistent irrita-bility, and contractility may be exercised inconvulsions. All things being primarilynormal, proper food in proper quantity willcause normal sensation; instinct will con-struct healthy structures, all involuntarycontractilities will be normal, and sensi-bility will entertain rational ideas, and indue time correct the theories now in associa-tion with alleged medical science. Sensi-bility surveys and comprehends the affairs ofthe universe, and may supply a materialcause for sensations both normal and abnor-mal, which are produced by an existing con-tact. The kind of sensation revealed tosensibility and to instinct will determine thespecial duty required from the functions ofthose departments. Instinct is ever on thealert in co-operation with sensation, inspect-


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80 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.ing every kind and quantity of materialwhich becomes introduced by design or acci-dent within the contact boundaries of thecitadel of life, with a view to use or elimi-nate such material. No agency acts exceptthe vital. Instinct is a function always atwork, and liable to become belligerent atany hour; while sensibility has naturalperiods for repose and activity.The present old and accepted plan implies

that all material relations with the humanorganism may exist in one of three divisions, nutrient, inert, and active. The so-calledinert material constitutes a harmless materialexcept from quantitive, mechanical relations,and is not of a kind sufficiently objectionablein small quantity to require special patho-logical vital acts for its removal, but may beeliminated in the ordinary manner withoutdisturbance of normal function. Activematerial so called, both medicinal and poi-sonous, is a kind of material so seriouslyobjectionable within the citadel of life that a


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 81special pathological vital act is manifestedin relation to its presence. Based on thisfact alone, the material is called active,because it causes the involuntary vital func-tion to act. Therefore this material is calleda medicine, and is said to possess "activemedical properties." This kind of material,however, does not act; it has no "activeproperties ; " but its presence being objection-able, there exists a cause for the involuntary-vital power to act differently. A passivecause is not an active principle ; and the dayis coming when it will be considered asabsurd to discover an "active medical prop-erty," as it would be now to allege that thesun revolved round the earth. A whip isequally entitled to be accredited with"active principles," because it may be soused as to cause both the voluntary and invol-untary life powers to act differently.The ideal " active medical property " is a

doctrine having no better claim for consid-eration than the ancient ideal motion of the

6


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82 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.sun. It is a vagary of superstition not yeteliminated, and is supported only by com-mon consent, and repudiated by Nature. Asmall relative quantity of such material iscalled a " medicine ; " a larger quantity iscalled a "poison." An alleged medicalaction is a mild pathological vital action;and the alleged action of poison is a violentand dangerous pathological vital action.Thus in the nature of such material is foundthe evidence presented and distorted, likethe sun's motion, in the alleged proof thatany material, simple or compound, mayhave " active properties. " In other words, amedical property is implied in that kind ofmaterial so seriously objectionable as to bea cause for the disturbance of the involun-tary vital force, and a cause for it to actdifferently.We have given the correct interpretation

of an alleged "active medical property,"which is incontrovertible. There is no edu-cational or practical advantage to be derived


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 83from such interpretation superior to thealleged functions of the ultimate vital prop-erties, but a great and dangerous disadvan-tage. The discovery of an "active medicalproperty " has long been presumed to be ofgreat value, while such is but the discoveryof a material which the human organismcannot use for constructive purpose, and whichrequires to be eliminated when introducedwithin the system by a special pathologicalvital act. There are many millions of suchcompounds yet to be discovered.

So far as history contributes to such infor-mation, Acron (who lived before Pliny) wasthe first to apply philosophical reason tomedicine. He presented an idea surroundedwith such entanglements of appearances thatit has ever been difficult to eliminate thedelusion, and to grasp the true principlesand nature of vital force. There are inthis problem appearances as misleading asthe apparent motion of the sun. The humanmind has corrected that ideal operation;


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE. 85property " would seem to imply. Thus whilean active vital property acts, an alleged" active medical property " does not act.

It is claimed in explanation that medicineonly "makes an impression," in response towhich the active vital principle acts. Suchexplanation is very near to being correct,although it is presented as diplomatic logicto escape the charge of accepting a medical-power agency. At the same time, the litera-ture of medical journals makes use of theterms "medical power," "'powerful medi-cine," and "active medical properties," with-out any attempt to explain that medicinehas neither power nor active principles toimpart, as would be true if medicine only"makes an impression."The inference is not yet disposed of that

the " active medical property " " makes animpression " in place of acting, and is thusentitled to be represented as an active med-ical principle. It is necessary to under-stand what constitutes a medical impression.


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86 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.An impression is not a something done, buta something recognized as done. It is notunlike a sensation; indeed, the term "im-pression " is ambiguous, while the term"sensation" is precise, correct, and scien-tific. Medicine does not make a sensation,but causes a sensation. By simply changingthe words " making an impression " to " caus-ing a sensation," the correct fundamentalprinciple implied in the relation of medicinewill be represented. This slight change inphraseology gives an entirely different ideaof the source from which the operating activeprinciple is supplied. In the implied differ-ence of the two statements there is made toexist a pivotal idea as significant as wouldbe a reply to the question, " Which orb isthe centre of the solar system, the earth orthe sun ?A distinguished medical writer has said

"that medicine acts like the cause of dis-ease. " This is a correct comparison of facts ;but the underlying principle that gives exist-


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 87ence to such facts fails of being lifted up forrecognition. In such an expression the ideais still perpetuated that some mysteriousagency or " active principle " is in associationwith the cause of disease and with medicinewhich enables each to be active. In otherwords, some active principle, not vital, ispresumed to operate the organs of the livinghuman system. The fact is that the contactof the cause of disease and the contact ofmedicine each cause a sensation; and onekind of cause is succeeded by a pathologicalvital action which constitutes active func-tional disease, while the other kind of causeof sensation is succeeded by pathological vitalacts of a different kind, called medicinaleffects. Neither has acted, but each hascaused a different vital act.

It may be instructive here to refer toauthorities that accept the old plan as a basisfor theories, and I will quote from a standardpublication of 1844 the definition then givenby Dr. Wood to medicine :


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essential nature of disease, indeed, noth-ing at all.Now, functional disease is pathological

vital action, a kind of action and disturb-ance that cannot be made to exist without aprevious abnormal sensation. Thus diseasebegins with an abnormal sensation. The na-ture of every involuntary vital act is modifiedand determined by the kind, degree, and qual-ity of sensation produced. The entire contactworld is related to the living human organ-ism only through the vital property sensation.There is no active principle, not vital, thatmay exercise influence to modify vital func-tion. The modifying principle exists in thecharacter of the sensation. Every kind ofmaterial has a causing relation when in con-tact, which causes some kind of sensation.Food material in proper quantity causes anormal sensation, which is succeeded by aphysiological vital action constituting health.That material which may cause disease firstcauses an abnormal sensation, relative to


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medical effects are each dependent on thekind of sensation produced. The involuntaryvital organism is implied in sensation,instinct, and action. The sensation is aprimary manifestation of a single vitalproperty, while the action is a compoundfunction of instinct and contractility. Thehuman organism can execute physiologicaland pathological vital actions at the sametime, the greater proportion being theformer, the less the disease; the greaterproportion the latter, the more severe thedisease.The relation of the entire materia medica

to the human organism is implied in twogrand divisions. First, medicine may causea sensation without a subsequent develop-ment of involuntary action; and second, itmay cause a sensation of a degree that issucceeded by the exercise of an involuntaryvital action. Thus medicine may cause asensation only, or it may cause a sensationthat will be succeeded by vital action. The


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92 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.cause of disease has precisely similar rela-tions. Disease may exist as a disagreeablesensation, and also as a pathological vitalaction.

There is only one method possible enablingthe voluntary ability, the intelligence, tocall up, harness, and guide, and make opera-tive, the involuntary vital force; and thatmethod is implied in making a contact appli-cation that will produce and cause sensa-tions. There will be a slight and limitedexception made to this statement in a futurechapter. The genius of man has enabledhim to harness the forces of gravitation,chemical and electric agencies, to fulfildesired results; but the harnessing of theinvoluntary life force of the human organism, that department which produces healthand disease, and the calling of this agencyinto activity at will, has ever remained anunsolved theoretical problem.The Science of Vital Force affords a look-

out station of very different standpoint from


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may include a great multiplicity of suchcauses.Division A. In this division may be

included food material undigested and inexcess of required use, retained waste mate-rial, and chemical compounds that haveformed from such material, all of whichmay require special pathological vital actsfor their removal.

Division B. This will include all kindsof foreign material, organic and inorganic;filth material, solid, fluid, or gaseous,swallowed or inhaled; simple elements andchemical compounds introduced as such, andchemical products of the same of later for-mation, all of which constitute primarycauses of abnormal sensation, followed by adisturbance later, authorized by the vitalproperty instinct, which presides over allmaterial having a contact relation.

Division 0. This may include mechanicalcauses of many kinds, implied in lacerationsand compressed nerve structures, and also


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extremes of heat and cold from externalassociations, all of which may cause pri-mary abnormal sensations, liable to besucceeded by pathological vital actions.

Division D. This will comprise secondarycauses, a very large factor of disturbanceever being developed within, after the dis-eased process once begins from any primarycause. This class of causes includes localcongestions, mechanical compressing of nervetissues, development of higher temperaturesof the blood (a secondary cause liable to pro-duce prolonged and serious consequenceslater), morbid pathological products andinfiltrations developed by diseased action,and chemical changes that take place withsuch material within the organism. 1

1 There is no kind of disease that may be known by anyspecial name, which has its beginning and total cause forcontinuance implied in a relation of primary cause. Thisis an important fact for practical consideration, as well asan indispensable recognition in support of the theory ofcause and effect, as presented in the operative proceduresby the involuntary life force in the various forms andcomplications of disease.


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The secondary causes, produced by patho-logical disturbance and chemical changes, causes developed within, - are of serioussignificance, which are made to exist moreor less each clay. Primary causes are fre-quently of minor consideration when com-pared with the secondary, which are latermade to prevail. Primary causes may oftenbe removed, and yet the disease continuefrom causes later developed, which manytimes are very difficult to control. Bloodpoison in most cases is implied in productsdeveloped within, from some disturbance ofa primary cause, which would be harmless tosome, while fatal to others. Different organ-isms develop secondary causes in a verydissimilar manner.

Causes of disease first produce abnormalsensations, which may be known sometimesby both sensibility and instinct, and mayreceive attention from either or both, whileat other times abnormal sensation is recog-nized only by instinct. Consciousness may


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 97infer, and in fact know, that such an inci-dent has occurred, not from a recognition ofthe sensation as a pain or any other kind ofsensation, but from a recognition of someinvoluntary active disturbance, a disturb-ance which could not occur without a pre-vious abnormal sensation from some cause.This may be illustrated in the incident ofswallowing strychnia in disguise, as well asin many cases of disease where the conse-quences are recognized before the primarycause is known to exist. In a very largevariety of diseases we recognize the conse-quences, the disturbance, before we are in theleast aware that causes exist.Among the fundamental principles there

is another distinction to be recognized, whichis of great importance both because of theo-retical and practical relations, that whileabnormal sensations may be followed bypathological vital actions called disease,there may be numerous abnormal sensationsthat are not succeeded by pathological vital

7


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98 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.actions. This class of ailments are called" nervous " diseases, constituting a kind oftrouble existing as disagreeable sensations,from which the person or patient seeks relief.In close connection and corresponding withthis existing condition, there may be recog-nized also that with medicinal relations thereare kinds and small quantities of medicinewhich only occasion sensations that may beagreeable or otherwise, and which are notsucceeded by any visible or recognizableactive medicinal effects.Not only is there a theoretical but also a

practical value to be associated with suchfacts. Thus the condition called "nervous "disease, and the fact that an agreeable sensa-tion may be produced with medicine; itbecomes rational to infer that the temporarytreatment of many of those disagreeable feel-ings consists largely in swapping sensations, in producing a more agreeable sensationin exchange for the disagreeable. And whilethis suggestion seems consistent as a theory,


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some " bracing " medicine that will relievethe tired feeling and build them up. Thisis not the place to discuss to what degreesuch a practice may be admissible; but itmay here be said that such practice is liableto insure a profitable patient for the physi-cian, and in many instances it would be likeattempting to cure alcoholic spirit conse-quences with alcoholic spirit medication.

This branch of medical practice impliedin the swapping of sensations, regardless ofcorrect regimen and proper surroundings ofsanitary relations, constitutes a serious im-pediment to the welfare of invalids. It isencouraged by the experience of a moreagreeable temporary sensation, and sup-ported by the accepted, fallacious, and dan-gerous theory of "active medical properties."The new sensation is given the interpretationof a supplementary "active principle," whichis presumed and alleged to be a contributionof temporary energy that is doing somethingto help Nature. Consequently there are


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levied millions of tribute on the prevailingignorance of the science of recovery, and thestandard of national health is being thusseriously impaired.The term "medical tonic" is an ideal mis-

nomer. All kinds of alleged medical tonics quinine, ale, and beer are but so manykinds of material that effect a temporaryexchange of sensations. This is a subjectworthy of the consideration of philanthro-pists, and of all who may have an interestin the general welfare of the individual andthe nation. Medical tonics and " bracing "medicines are made useful in that commer-cial transaction implied in the swapping ofsensations. The patient mistakes the ex-change of sensations for a contribution ofenergy; and the physician often makes asimilar mistake in giving his patient chem-ical compounds as alleged constructive mate-rial. When a person feels that a medicinehas given him strength, the fact is that onlya different sensation has been produced.


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102 THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE.Thus feeling less weary, they infer they havemore strength. But the effecting an exchangeof sensations with such material is no morean evidence that constructive nutrient mate-rial has been supplied to the body, than theexcitement produced by a new idea is evi-dence that a contribution has been made forthe support of brain weariness.A multitude of alleged " nerve foods " and" nerve-tonic " compounds belong to this classof medicines, although such are not foods.Alcoholic spirit is the old "stand-by " remedyfor weariness, antedating all other discov-eries. An eminent medical writer says," There are conditions in which alcohol actssimply as material for the production offorce, and may be looked upon as a foodwhich requires no digestion, and sets freein a useful form its latent energy. " On thecontrary, it has no "latent energy," and doesnot " produce force ; " but is a cause for anew sensation and the expenditure of vitalenergy in a different direction. The United


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 103States Dispensatory and mouth-piece oflegal-tender ideas is permitted without pro-test to continue imparting the informationthat " alcohol in a diluted state gives addi-tional energy to muscles and temporary exal-tation to the mental faculties. " With suchdoctrines emanating from the highest accred-ited institutions of learning, it is not strangethat mankind should resort to the practiceof drinking alcoholic spirit for the " energy "it may be presumed to supply, a doctrineapparently supported by an experience of"feeling better.As a people and a nation we are living in

an age of cultured and singular delusion, adelusion which is inflicting consequencesthat are sought to be abolished without aneffort to correct the cause. The cause isthe false education. People drink alcoholicspirit to enable them to "feel better, " and togive them strength; and they do this inaccordance with the doctrines of alleged andaccepted science. While the would-be


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104 THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE.

benefactors of the race are trying to avertthe miseries thus produced, by resorting toprohibitive legislative enactments, would itnot be equally as beneficial, to say the least,to give special attention to an education thatwould cease to develop and perpetuate suchexpectancies ? There are many people whohave not the ability to deal safely with apractice implied in such fallacious expec-tancies of supplied energy; and while thehighly cultured frequently stagger under suchresponsibilities, they should have pity inplace of censure for those who are lesscapable.A most successful medical practice for the

saving of human life must be implied in suchmethods of guidance of the vital energies aswill occasion the least expenditure of capitalstock of the existing vital force. Medicinedoes not supply temporary "active princi-ple " or medical power, but it occasions vitalenergy to be expended in a different mani-festation. The practice of medicine without


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a knowledge of the nature and laws of invol-untary vital force is frequently a dangerousexperiment, quite similar to the guiding ofa ship in a storm without a mariner's com-pass. And when the people awaken to theimportance of this branch of education,there will be a simultaneous effort by allcultured civilization to dissipate the fog ofsuperstition and ignorance which is con-signing thousands annually to an untimelygrave.

In the development of an enlightened civil-ization, numerous ideal fallacies of Nature'splans and methods require to be eliminated.The ideal flat earth had to be abandoned;the human mind had to outgrow its idealassociations relative to inorganic materialtransformation, and surrender the expectancythat base metals could be changed to gold;the popular idea of the centre of the solarsystem had to be changed, which was effectedunder protest and much remonstrance. It issaid, however, that such crude ideas prevailed


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106 THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE.before the star of science had illuminatedthe pathway of the human mind, during thedark age of superstition. But the combinedcrudities of thought relative to all thosedepartments of science do not out-weigh inmagnitude the present calamitous fallacythat presumes and accepts the existence ofsome agency in Nature, not vital, whichacts on the human organism to producedisease, and also some agency and "activemedical principle " which acts to operate theorgans of human life, supposed to possess acurative influence to restore health. His-tory keeps green the ideal fallacies of thepast, while the worse and dangerous idealfallacy of to-day remains unchallenged. Theexpectancy that an "active medical prop-erty " has existence, that it can be bottled,sold, and used as a contribution of temporaryenergy in substitution for vital force, has asstrong a hold on human credulity as any ofthe ancient delusions that were accepted onthe basis of appearances. Facts warrant


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE. 107the use of stronger epithets than any hereemployed, and which will surely be foundin future history, relative to this periodand age of experimental research for the dis-covery of an imaginary substitute for vitalforce.


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VI.

DISEASE GERMS.

HTHE modern germ-theory of disease im-plies that diseases, more or less, may

be caused by germs, which theory consti-tutes a subdivision of alleged causes that isentitled to separate consideration. Its advo-cates say that it is a subject "entitled tocoolest criticism, never leaving, however,the experimental facts for the airy region ofwild theorizing and speculation." We donot care to deny "facts," but desire to learnwhat kind of fact is determined by suchexperiment. Every fact in Nature is entitledto an explanation; and whatever theory ispresented for that purpose n*ay be called" wild " or rational according to the stand-point accepted by the observer, according to


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE. 109which lookout station is occupied, the oldplan or the new.The germ-theory is a doctrine alleged to

be based on facts, of a kind however that willbe mentioned later. It has been projectedto "account for the methods of multiplica-tion of dangerous disease." Disease as con-sidered in the light of the germ-theory, calledthe "ravages of parasites," and consideredalso in the light of the old plan and accord-ing to the interpretation of distinguishedauthorities, is said to " attack " the humanfamily, and "pursues the ordinary routes oftravel, following the human race alongocean paths." According to this quotationfrom an article on the germ-theory found ina journal of acknowledged scientific author-ity, it would seem that disease chooses toinhabit regions frequented by the humanfamilyWe must begin the consideration of the

"germ-theory of disease" by changing thelanguage of the text, making it to read,


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THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE. IllThose organisms feed on organic matter,seizing it on its downward course from aprevious higher organization; and thus theymultiply wherever it is possible to obtainsuch nutriment for their support. Theplant organizations are designated as "bac-cilli," and the animalcules as "bacteria " and"protozoa." The term "parasite "is givento both, signifying a micro-organism whichdraws its nourishment from other organisms.The terms " microbe " and " bacteria " arefrequently applied to both kinds of organ-isms ; while numerous special names are usedto designate some variation of appearance asfound in different fluids and localities of thebody. The germ micro-organism, of micro-scopic discovery, does not develop into any-thing; it remains the same until death.Therefore it is not a germ in that sense of thedefinition; and there is much doubt, wellfounded in the nature of things, whetherdisease, seldom without inoculation by inten-tion, can have its origin from this kind of


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112 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.alleged cause, that is, from living micro-organisms. Doubtless the alleged germ issometimes a cause of disease, that is, acause of abnormal sensation of a degreesufficient to develop active disease. Suchkind of cause, however, has its relationobscured by being called a "germ." Thiskind of cause is no more entitled to be calleda " germ " than are numerous other kinds ofprimary causes that are not micro-organisms.All kinds of causes have only one kind ofrelation, a cause of abnormal sensation,the first existing change in the direction ofdisease.The accepted theory of putting the cause

of disease for the production of disease, inaccordance with the old plan, supposes thecause to exercise an influence, and to act.It can be demonstrated, however, that a causeof disease does not act, but only constitutesa cause for the involuntary vital force to actabnormally; which in itself is the disease.Thus it would be very difficult to determine


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114 THE SCIENCE OP VITAL FORCE.

organisms find their best opportunity forexistence because some diseased action haspreviously existed ? Every bacteriologistknows that such is the fact.

Practical facts seem to show in some in-stances that disease has evidently beenproduced by the transference of such micro-organisms to a different individual. On theother side is the fact, equally as practical,that such inoculation does not always pro-duce disease. So seldom has disease beenthus produced, compared with the failures toproduce, that some able physicians havealleged that the germ-theory was inapplicableeven upon the basis of experiment. Thesupposition is not without some reason thatmicro-organisms, more or less constructedfrom filth material, might break down andpresent an amount of poisonous materialsufficient to be a cause for vital disturb-ance in some instances.

In brief, from the basis of fundamentalvital principles and rational reason the bacte-


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 115rial cause of disease, without inoculation,would seem so nearly harmless that it wouldbe wiser to recommend the prevention andthe destruction of filth material as a sanitarymeasure, rather than to consider the microbethe cause of disease. Is it not rational tosuppose that the material from which themicro-organism is created, would be a lesscause of disturbance existing in an organizedstate than in its previous condition suscep-tible of solution and absorption ? Who willdeny that such micro-organisms do not exer-cise the function of scavengers ?The " disease germ " and bacterial cause

of disease is considered more applicable tozymotic disease, that is, those diseasespropagated by contact, measles and scarletfever being illustrative types. The discov-ery that yeast, or leaven, is a multiplicationof microscopic plant organisms, gave rise tothe doctrine of the germ-theory of zymoticdisease; and the well-known fact that suchdisease seldom develops more than once in


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the same individual furnishes theoreticalcomplications in association with the germ-theory that require special consideration.On the supposition that a growth of micro-organisms, more or less, constitutes the causeof such disease, is it not a singular fact thata human organism can develop a nidus, ormaterial for such growth, only once in alifetime, and especially when we considerthat with such disease, when existing, thereis a more or less rapid production of poisonwithin the system that is eliminated throughthe skin, which material also becomes alocal irritant at the point of escape ?Now we ask, is this escaping poison a

micro-organism, dead or alive, a brokendown product of such life, or is it a poisondeveloped by pathological vital action ? Thefact that such disease rarely occurs more thanonce in a lifetime gives rise to two importantquestions, Can the human system developonly once a compound food-material for thegrowth of micro-organisms ? and, Can patho-


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THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE. 117logical vital action develop a second time asimilar poisonous product to what was firstproduced, through tissues that have oncebeen subjected to a diseased action ? It is awell-known fact that certain tissues can bemodified by a diseased action, and preventa recurrence of effusions through serousmembranes. A cicatrix never has the func-tion of the tissue it has displaced. Shouldthis subject be considered in its complete-ness, we think the weight of testimonywould favor the acceptance of the theorythat pathological vital action could seldomdevelop more than once the specific poisonpeculiar to such diseases. And is it notmore rational to accept such a method ofsupplied cause, a pathological product, than to accept the allegation that the humanorganism cannot more than once in a life-time elaborate a fluid compound capable ofthe growth of micro-organisms ? Shouldthe subject of the bacterial cause of thezymotic group of diseases be carried up to


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118 THE SCIENCE OF VITAL FORCE.the high court of inquiry, it is reasonable tobelieve that this group, which is presumedto contribute the most support to the germ-theory, would be found to contribute theleast.

This group of diseases, which seldomoccur more than once in a lif

Documents

W. R. Dunham - The Science of Vital Force (1894)