Science and Happiness (translated)

By Georges Lakhovsky and GIORGIO LAKHOVSKY

- This edition is unique;
- The translation is completely original and was carried out for the Ale. Mar. SAS;
- All rights reserved.

The research carried out over some ten years to clarify the part represented in biology by electrical oscillations and cosmic waves has made it possible to collect a certain number of observations and experimental facts in this field. This research, which began without prejudice, gradually led to the elaboration, and later verification, of a theory that coordinated the author's findings.
Since, especially in the field of biology, ideas progress more rapidly than experiences, it will be easily understood that the first works, rather theoretical, had the function of preparing the way for the essentially practical results that Lakhovsky later obtained.
A series of earlier works traces the path of his research, of which this study is intended to be a kind of synthesis (Origin of Life, The Secret of Life, Universion, Contribution to the Etiology of Cancer).
The research referred to in these works has led to the understanding of life as the result of the dynamic oscillatory equilibrium of cells, an equilibrium maintained certainly by the forces of the external field, and in particular by those of cosmic radiation that bathes and penetrates all living organisms.
From a practical point of view, having observed that disease results from cellular oscillatory imbalance, the author imagined electrical devices capable of re-establishing, around the threatened organism, the wave field at its normal value. He succeeded in doing this by using local generators of very high frequency oscillations and oscillating and resonating circuits, the probable functioning of which he explains in this work.
In this study he has endeavoured to bring together, on the one hand, the detailed exposition of his theories of cellular oscillation, of his radio-cellular oscillator and of his oscillating circuits, as they enable us to understand the significance of the results obtained; and, on the other, the precise report of the practical application of his methods and of the results recorded in the treatment of various diseases.
Thanks to his Theory of Cellular Oscillation, Lakhovsky has succeeded in building a bridge between positivism and metaphysics, and in alleviating, with the contribution of scientific data, the anguished uncertainty of longevity and the afterlife. He hopes that these pages will help to explore the new problems that wave action poses to both biology and metaphysics, and explain the raison d'être of life and the entire universe. He also hopes that from the deepening of these problems will derive new progress in the path now open to the understanding of the very mysterious problem of life.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anna Ruggieri
• Release date: Jul 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9788892864825

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

The research carried out over a decade or so in order to clarify the part represented in biology by electrical oscillations and cosmic waves has enabled me to collect a certain number of observations and experimental facts in this field. These researches, begun without prejudice, led me progressively to elaborate, and then to verify, a theory co-ordinating my findings.

Since, especially in the field of biology, ideas progress more rapidly than experience, it will be easy to understand that my first works, which were rather theoretical, served to prepare the way for the essentially practical results I obtained later.

A series of previous works traces the path of my research, of which this study is intended to be in some way a synthesis.

In the Origin of Life ( 1 ) I propose a number of physiological problems that have remained in the shadows: the problem of instinct, that of orientation, and that of the radiation of living beings. I now offer the solution by expounding my theory of cellular oscillation.

A recent edition of this work, published under the title The Secret of Life ( 2 ) and completed by four new chapters, contains the result of my latest work.

In Universion ( 3 ) I extend the principles of cellular oscillation posited for biology to the whole physical universe and explain the cosmic radiation part.

In the Contribution to the Etiology of Cancer ( 4 ) I examine a particular case of cellular oscillation: that in which the variation in the force field of cosmic waves, produced by the geological nature and electrical properties of the soil, causes oscillatory imbalance in individuals and results in the formation of neoplasms through abnormalities in cell division.

The research referred to in these works has led me to understand life as the result of the dynamic oscillatory equilibrium of cells, an equilibrium maintained certainly by the forces of the external field, and in particular by those of the cosmic radiation that bathes and penetrates all living organisms.

From a practical point of view, having observed that the disease results from the oscillatory imbalance of the cells, I have imagined electrical devices capable of re-establishing the field of waves at its normal value around the threatened organism. I succeeded in doing this by using local generators of very high frequency oscillations and oscillating and resonating circuits, the probable functioning of which I explain in this work.

In this study I have endeavoured to bring together, on the one hand, the detailed exposition of my theories of cellular oscillation, of my radio-cellular oscillator and of my oscillating circuits, as these enable us to understand the significance of the results obtained; on the other hand, the precise report of the practical application of my methods and the results recorded in the treatment of various diseases.

Although some of the communications contained in this volume have already been mentioned in my earlier works, I wanted to republish them in order to summarise all my research.

Thanks to my Cellular Oscillation Theory, I was able to build a bridge between positivism and metaphysics, and to mitigate, with the help of scientific data, the anguished uncertainty of longevity and the afterlife.

I hope that these pages will help to deepen the new problems that wave action poses to both biology and metaphysics, and explain the raison d'être of life and the entire universe. I also hope that from the deepening of these problems will derive new progress in the path now open to the understanding of the very mysterious problem of life.

PART ONE - OSCILLATORY BIOLOGY AND THE PHILOSOPHY OF LONGEVITY

CHAPTER ONE - LONGEVITY

In my various works, The Secret of Life, The Universe, Contribution to the Aetiology of Cancer ( 5 ), The Cellular Oscillation (S. A. C. L.), The Earth and Us (Fasquelle), Nature (Doin), The Multiwave Oscillator (S. A. C. L.), I have asserted that life results from the vibration of every living cell found in the force field of cosmic waves.

Further on, we will examine, in theory and in practice, the mechanism of biology and the new therapy in the light of the principles of cellular oscillation.

It is now necessary to take stock in order to understand exactly where we have arrived. What profit, for the present and for the future, can be drawn from these new facts? To what extent does oscillatory theory change our biological conceptions, the philosophy of longevity and even our metaphysical notions of the supernatural?

The positivists - and many who are positivists without knowing it - will tell me:

What is the point of a new theory, what is the point of a new principle, if it should not result in real and tangible progress for mankind?. And immediately afterwards, by way of conclusion: "Life is our essential good. However mediocre it may be, all our actions tend to take advantage of it as much as possible and to preserve it. Can the theory of cellular oscillation, which opens up so many avenues for new therapy, give us hope for real progress in the art of living, and give us some reason to improve and prolong our existence?

I would not hesitate to answer in the affirmative, because the methods of oscillatory therapy that I am proposing allow for new advances in the field of medicine and hygiene and contribute, ipso facto, to making life easier and increasing longevity.

But now I would like to address the heart of the problem and, consequently, consider it above all from a philosophical point of view, because in cellular oscillation we must not only see a new method capable of generating fertile applications, but a truly new principle destined to profoundly change our conceptions.

As we shall see in a separate chapter, in order to grow old without disease - for such is the human ideal, and at least the immediate purpose of life - it is not enough to have at one's disposal a set of hygienic precepts and numerous remedies. We must look higher and further: we must study other factors that undermine our organism and shorten our life.

A philosopher, perhaps in a humorous mood, claimed that one should only die when one wanted to, or rather, through negligence, as if by surprise, at a time when one forgets to live.

The essential condition for endurance is therefore to want to live, intensely and with all one's might.

But this is not enough: one must live in peace of heart and in the moral balance that gives every man the feeling of justice and goodwill.

Finally, we should not fear death, but see it as the natural limit of our earthly existence - sleep after a day's toil - and as the inevitable passage that leads to survival.

It seems to me, therefore, that in order to improve and prolong life, the following three rules should be followed:

First principle

Believing in longevity, that is, having faith in the possibility of reaching old age, and wanting to become old.

Second principle

Avoid compromising our existence by refraining from being jealous, envious or mean; and practise goodness, which is essential to the balance of our physical and moral health.

Third principle

Do not fear death, and believe in survival, that is, in God, because doubt and fear of death shorten existence.

I will endeavour to develop these three philosophical viewpoints without ever straying from the experimental scientific facts that provide a solid foundation for these principles.

Moreover, I do not place myself in the realm of either morality or religion, but exclusively in the realm of philosophical hygiene, which should enable us to achieve a happy longevity.

Do we not have serious reasons to believe in longevity?

I - BELIEVING IN LONGEVITY

It is not enough to say that there are examples of very long existences. Such examples exist and only our ignorance sometimes allows us to doubt them.

In a remarkable book, philosopher John Finot shows us that examples of longevity are not as rare as is generally believed.

Evidence concerning the lives of centenarians has been gathered from the remotest antiquity. Evidently it is impossible to check the civil registers for the 969 years of Methuselah or the 802 years of that king of the island of Locmia, mentioned by Pliny and Valerius Maximus. Even proceeding to the most serious tares, there is not the slightest doubt in the fact that these fortunate people died over a hundred years old. Strabo mentions inhabitants of Pendjab living more than 200 years. Pliny reports that a census of 3 million inhabitants of Cisalpine Gaul, at the time of Vespasian, gave 170 centenarians, or 1 centenarian per 20,000 inhabitants. According to Plinus, Marcus Apponius would have lived 150 years; according to Lucian, Tiresias would have lived 6 centuries and the inhabitants of Mount Athos would have lived 130 years. Alexander Cornelius mentions an Illyrian of 500 years, called Dandon, and Anacreon reports that Cingra, king of Cyprus would have reached the age of 160 years.

In the lives of the saints we find: St. Simon, nephew of the Virgin. Mary, 107 years old; St. Narcissus 165 years old; St. Anthony, 105 years old; the Hermit Paul 113 years old; the Venerable Albuma, Bishop of Ethiopia, more than 150 years old.

Haller in his Philosophical Elements teaches us that man is one of the longest-lived animals. The normal limit of his existence would appear to be 200 years. According to Haller, two centenarians died accidentally, one at 152, the other at 169. The first, Thomas Barr, died of indigestion after a feast given in his honour by the King of England; the second from a cold. The latter at 140 had two children aged 102 and 100.

According to a statistic of 1897, in Buenos-Ayres there lived a negro, Bruno Cotrim, over 150 years old; and in Serbia 3 old men from 135 to 140; 18 from 126 to 135, 123 from 115 to 125, and 290 from 105 to 195. In 1890 there were 3891 centenarians in the United States, and 21 in London.

There are also many centenarians in Russia. Statistics from 1850 record the existence of a 168-year-old man in Livonia who fought in Poltava in 1709.

It also mentions a canon of Lucerne who died in 1346 at the age of 186. A Hungarian archbishop, Monsignor Spodisvoda, a Scottish abbot and a Croatian farmer are said to have reached the age of 185.

In Egypt lives a 154 year old man, who still remembers his functions as consul under Napoleon I, and in Turkey a 156 year old man called Zaro. The latter was recently photographed and filmed. Judging by his appearance and gait, he would not be more than 70 years old.

We will not dwell on these observations that are increasingly recorded by statistics.

From such an abundance of particular facts demographers have not failed to deduce some general laws that are not without interest. Beginning in the tenth century, and especially by insurance institutions, statistics were compiled in which the number and age of centenarians in the different regions of Europe and the United States were recorded year by year. Particularly interesting in this respect are the statistics of the Caisse Lafargue, created in 1791, and that of the Morning Post in London, between 1877 and 1896, according to which the proportion of centenarians would be, for the former, 2.4, and for the latter, 4 per 10,000 people.

It is important to note that in exceptionally gifted organisms, capable of living 100 years or more, old age is not generally accompanied by decrepitude, disease, or degeneration. On the contrary, it maintains a harmonious balance between most of the physical and mental faculties of the subject, who seems to be truly prolonging his life without falling into excessive decadence.

Most centenarian candidates, who survive the critical period during which the loss of certain faculties frequently occurs, achieve a new youth which seems to be the prelude to a new existence.

Haller, Blandin and a number of other medical celebrities noted the appearance of a third set of teeth from about the age of 80. Dr. Graves reported the case of a woman who, at the age of 110, had new teeth, while her hair, which had turned grey, regained its original colour. Others, between the ages of 90 and 107, had new teeth. The same applies to some other senses or physiological faculties.

Among centenarians and the very old, physical and intellectual faculties generally go hand in hand.

Gladstone, the famous English minister who was an opponent of Disraéli, had been felling trees with an axe for a few years before his death, despite his advanced age.

For centuries, people have never stopped questioning centenarians about longevity and the reasons to which they attribute their beautiful old age.

Such 'interviews' are generally disappointing. When comparing them, one realises that the lucky winners of the race of life explain their success in the most contradictory ways. However, almost all of them agree on one thing: that they have always lived a quiet life free of jealousy, malice, hatred and worries.

It is therefore good to take this part into account when trying to discover the real causes of longevity.

- Living rationally: this seems to be above all the essential condition.

- I do not remember which caustic hygienist stated that 'we do not die; but we kill ourselves'. Jealousy, worry, hatred, in fact, kill us.

The kind of life we lead, combined with the predispositions of our nature, slowly but surely overcomes the resistance of our organism, wearing out the weakest part of the machine. Centenarians become those who manage to maintain for a long time the necessary harmony between all their physical and intellectual faculties, i.e. to keep intact the oscillatory balance resulting from their whole organism.

The question remains as to what is the criterion for this balance. In the following chapters we will say what needs to be done to maintain health; for now let us examine what not to do.

One of the most frequent causes of organic weakening is excess of nutrition, which is much more harmful than its deficiency. This is why there are fewer centenarians among the rich who abuse nutrition than among the poor.

The abuse of strength is also inadvisable, because the excess of physical or intellectual fatigue destroys the elasticity of the organism. But it would be a mistake to believe that it would help to preserve one's strength by avoiding all fatigue and abstaining from all exercise.

Among the old and the centenarians, individuals endowed with particular qualities are far from rare -- they have carried out considerable activity throughout their lives. One can cite the examples of Edison, Rokfeller, Clemenceau and many 'businessmen', who, despite a difficult youth and a very hard life, have reached a respectable age.

Hygiene is undoubtedly a valuable element in increasing longevity; but it must be well understood, and it must be inspired above all by balance, measure, and prudently avoid excesses, because in the matter of hygiene, as in so many other disciplines, there are dangerous excesses; the consequences of which may be worse, as we shall see later, than the evils they purport to eliminate.

The aim to be achieved, the essential hygiene of existence, consists in preserving at all costs that precious oscillatory equilibrium of the living cell, to which we owe life. It seems that, although ignorant of these new conquests of biology, the ancients foresaw this principle. A remedy for combating senility, said to be infallible, and used by King David, consists in placing a young and vigorous body in immediate contact with the old body.

Galen and other philosophers have tried to explain the effectiveness of this remedy, and Roger Bacon says of it: "Spirits emanate from the body of man, as from that of animals. Healthy and strong men, especially if young, comfort and revive the old by their mere presence, by their sweet emanations, by their healthy and pleasant vapours,