Science of human life; the world's postponed problem the operative plan of vital force ...

Introduction

WE are living in an age of fallacious ideas respecting the nature of things in the medical department of natural science, that are sooner or later to be recognized as of serious infliction to both intellectual pride and failure to provide for the taking of advantage of better possibilities for the management of disease and preservation of human life.

This alleged situation may be recognized in the fact that while vital energy is the only "active principle" and operative power that presents human life phenomena. That the nature and operative plan of the vital force agency; still remains a confessed unsolved problem and is relegated to future generations for its solution.

And in substitution of a recognized vital power being operative in the affairs of involuntary life functions; there has been accepted an artificial imaginary medical power in the name of "active medical principle." That is given credit for acting and operating the machinery of the living human organism.

In fact, all medical literature is constructed in recognition of such imaginary power; and with that equal persistency that prevailed in the astronomic department, of early interpretation; in the alleging that the sun revolved around the earth.

The entire lay mind is committed to the acceptance of a medical power and we have become a nation of medicine takers. While as a scientific fact, material medicine is not useful as a vehicle of "active principle;" but as a means to occasion vital energy to act differently with the involuntary expression of life power.

Thus we are living in an age of fallacious expectancy respecting the benefit to be derived from material medicine as a contribution of power. And are seriously handicapped in the management of disease in the failure to comprehend the operative plan of the vital energies, from the relations of cause and effect. Which agency is the only

"active principle" that can operate the machinery of life. Medical science is higher up in the events of the Universe than has yet been recognized. The science of astronomy was higher up, than was revealed in the interpretation by Claudius Ptolemy.

The existing situation as a problem in natural science is similar to the solar system problem before the advent of Copernicus. That is, human life science is being taught from a basis of artificial plan; making it impossible to comprehend the many disease problems together with their best management in aid of human life preservation.

At first suggestion, however, the unthinking mind— as with the experience of Galileo, —is liable to express much personal contempt for this suggested idea; that man,— that human authority; at this age of the world has failed to effect a correct interpretation of the nature of things. It being repugnant to the pride of intelligence at this late day, to be confronted with the suggestion that a correction of idea is imperative; in order to bring thoughts into harmony with Nature's methods in a department of natural science.

But this is a problem that is based on the authority of Nature's plan and operative laws of the function of vital force— the life power; thus requiring a resort to original research for verification in the reading of the book of Nature anew. That similar procedure which corrected the early erroneous idea of long acceptance, respecting the solar system problem.

During the last fifteen years I have made much effort to interest the cultivated intellect of the nation, with the importance and benefit to be derived from a knowledge of the nature and working plan of vital energy— that postponed problem. I have approached various branches of educational specialty that make claim of desire to promote scientific research, including several branches of our national government, but have been repeatedly turned down,— there being no provisions for this direction of investigation.

Some alleging that my views are not substantiated by facts and are in contradiction of the conclusions of scientific medicine. While it is the one special fact — that they are in contradiction, — that gives value to this kind of research. And the same kind of facts, however, contribute to its support; as were found in the verification of the conclusions of Copernicus,— Nature's methods.

And some doubt has been expressed of the practical utility, — even were it possible, to comprehend the working plan of vital energy in its presenting of voluntary and involuntary life activities.

It appears that there are some subjects that require to be handled with gloves; but with the existing dangerous medical theories of persistent culture, it may require language that is unmistakable in its meaning to call the attention of the people to the calamitous educational situation.

This is a subject of more than common interest. It is an existing misfortune of great magnitude, and of national importance. And while in the custody of the medical profession as an education; the "common people" are largely the sufferers from neglect to provide the best possible means for their preservation.

In the preparing of this small volume, I have sought to present important ideas in as few words as possible, and in such language that the average reader may unmistakably grasp the situation. A distinguished writer says: " Culture, is to know the best that has been thought and said in the world that is of possible demonstration. " And I trust no one will accuse me of introducing u remembered ideas and using them as original," in my representation of the educational situation.

The operative plan of vital energy provides a basis for the effecting of a correct solution of the nature of various forms of disease and many other human life problems. And for the first time in the history of the world, there is presented in this small volume, an interpretation of the operative plan of vital force as exercised in the functions of the living human organism ; and that can be verified by examination.

It was my early intention to present this subject more in detail in a much larger volume,— suggesting the management of various forms of disease from the standpoint of the function of vital energy with the relations of cause and effect. But not being able to interest the cultured mind, I have resolved to be satisfied in the presenting of a synopsis of the situation, and await the result. And as a suggestion, I mention there should be provided text books for common school use, that may instruct the fundamental principles and foundation plan of human life science in common with knowledge of other branches of natural science. And thus start correctly in the management of those affairs that are concerned in this branch of erudition.

The health of the nation is paramount to all other acquisitions and it will be recognized sooner or later that it is the duty of the National Government to superintend the providing of proper guide books for each family in the interest of health preservation and management of minor forms of disease.

CHAPTER ONE Foundation Plan

ALL problems in natural science are presented for our recognition in the function of that power be it gravitation, electricity or vital power; that is operative in the department that is being considered.

Thus in making research with the problem of human life science the study of anatomy and physiology is not the beginning ; we must seek to comprehend the working plan of that agency — called vital force. The life power that constructs the anatomy and operates the human organism in the exercise of voluntary and involuntary life functions.

This is a subject that the cultured mind is reluctant to talk about, and for the reason that no education has been inculcated revealing to the comprehension the elementary situation. Ideas respecting the nature of vital force so nearly approximate a blank, that it is much like suggesting inquiry of the nature of the four corners of eternity.

Yet the operative situation is as easy to comprehend as is arithmetic, when one is directed to make examination of the life labor that is being performed.

There is no literature in explanation of what constitutes the operative fundamental principles and operative plan of applied vital energy.

While distinguished authorities allege that this problem is so profound that its solution must await the coming of future generations.

Such conclusion is very far from being consistent as will be recognized when we examine the operative situation to be suggested which will enable the mind to think as Nature is doing.

The distinction between physical force and vital energy, is but arbitrary, consisting only in the difference of the function that is being performed. Each representing the function exercised by that agency; that is operative in the physical and living department of natural science.

Thus the nature of vital force— or vital energy; is no more or less than what is manifested in the life work that is being performed. Which may be revealed to our comprehension in the recognition of the special ultimate life functions that are being exercised. The nature of gravitation is revealed to our comprehension in a similar way, — in recognition of what it does with material. There are scientific facts that exist, both as material facts and in functional methods.

Vital energy is not manifested by the human organism as a one kind of power, — like gravitation; but as a composite agency. And the several divisions each perform their own kind of life work. Which in the aggregate constitutes the total of life power function, that constructs and operates the living organism.

It is not difficult to comprehend the nature of vital power— its operative method, when we examine the special and distinct kinds of life work; that are being performed by each of the four divisions to be described. Which recognition will give support to the interpretation, that vital force is expressed —or manifested as a composite agency.

And after we distinguish between the life acts of each division; it may then be recognized that those divisions execute life acts jointly. That is, they co-operate in the presenting of the more complex life functions.

This fact of co-operation will be found important — and imperative to recognize; in aid of the solution of the many disease and medical problems. Together with the most profound problems ever presented for consideration with the affairs of life, that are now awaiting solution.

In the making of research from this basis of suggested hypothesis, it will be necessary not only to describe the special kinds of life work that are being executed by each of the four divisions to be mentioned. But affix some especial name that may represent each life function; making it possible to communicate understanding^ respecting the situation.

The premises here suggested for examination, constitute and include the operative fundamental principles of the science of human life. A situation not of human invention, but of possible verification from an examination of the operative methods of the Universe.

As erudition exists with us to-day, very 15 much of the education respecting the phenomena that is presented by the vital powers; in the human life department of natural science; has come down to this age in the shape of erroneous ideas of the nature of things; as given interpretation by the misguided pedantry of the dark age of the world.

Which ideas have been perpetuated from generation to generation with a persistent refusal to review the situation. And are given the support of personal influence by the many distinguished authorities not prudent to contradict.

Respecting the situation of vital function, that distinguished authority, Henry Maudsley, M. D., F. R. C. P., says:

"It is easy to perceive how impossible it is in the present state of science to come to any positive conclusion in regard to the nature of vital force. This generation, and generations to come, will have passed to their everlasting rest before a discovery of the secret of vital activity is made. ,,

Prof. Rudolph Virchow, in his Huxley Lecture delievered in London, September, 1898, in referring to the higher organisms stated as follows:

"If they possessed but one single power which set all their parts in action, it would be impossible to understand, how the special kind of activity which each one of these organisms exercises in its individual way comes about. There is here, in my opinion, only one solution possible. The life possessed by the higher organisms is not a single one."

Dr. Lionel S. Beale, M. B., F. R. C. P., Lond., F. R. S., in "London Lancet," May 24, 1896, states:

"I am particularly desirous of directing attention to the question of vitality just now, because during the past year there have been indications of a change of opinion, and the prospect of obtaining a patient hearing is better than it has been for thirty or forty years. Vitality is a distinct force, and every pathologic change is directly consequent upon vital action."

I quote the following, that was a quotation in an article entitled "Life and Chemistry," published in the April 28, 1905, number of "Science."

The writer states

"Bunge, discussing vitalism in physiologic processes, said, 'Many centuries may pass over the human race, many a thinker's brow be furrowed, and many a giant worker be worn out, ere even the first step be taken towards the solution of this problem.

And yet it is conceivable that a sudden flash of light may illumine the darkness.' Science has no impossible boundaries. i Science will continue to ask and to answer even bolder questions.' "

And I repeat— the key to the situation, exists in the fact that vital force, vital energy — the human life power; that constructs and operates the human organism is a composite power and not a "single one," as also suggested by Professor Virchow;— which would be impossible to understand. How a "one power" could exercise the different kinds of life acts.

And the several divisions of ultimate life powers— each execute a different kind of life labor; and those several divisions cooperate in the presenting of the more complex life functions. This situation, however, was not revealed as a "sudden flash of light"— but required many years of abstract thought to develop such recognition.

That special power of the Universe called —vital energy, which executes life functions; was manifested in different ages of the world on the plan of evolution. Different kinds of life powers being given to animal organisms from time to time as required by the different animal creations; from the lowest to the highest and last— the human organism.

It has ever been confessed that "medical science" has no recognized operative fundamental principles— like other departments of science— that can be demonstrated. That is, it has never been possible to understand the nature and operative plan of the power; that executes the acts that are required to be considered in human life problems of medicine and disease. While it is to be recognized that in all departments of natural science, it is the operative law of the power —that executes the phenomena; that reveals to the comprehension the apparent mysteries of the situation.

In the department of human life science there is but one kind of power, or "active principle" — provided, — the vital energy; that is operative in the presenting of human life phenomena.

There has been no examination of the original record, as presented in Nature's method. No original research by modern man to discover the method. But few of us, however, acquire our scientific intelligence from a first reading of the book of Nature— we are educated. And ignorant early man has long been the instructor in this branch of science. He has furnished us with many of the present ideas.

With this problem of human life science as the situation now exists ; there being no literature on the subject, there is no other alternative except to examine some hypothesis to be presented; or await the coming of future generations. The alleged situation, however, will become self evident,— like the multiplication table when examined. Revealing to each investigator equal authority in ability to comprehend the Divine method in the operative department of human life science.

There is no historic mention of an examination of the foundation plan of astronomic science, previous to the suggestion by Copernicus. The multitude for many centuries had accepted the interpretation of the more early man— without protest; that seemed to be verified in appearance. Reason had ever failed to make an attack on the situation of the problem.

The science of human life development, provides not only for an evolution of additional powers from the low to higher animal organisms from time to time. But it is also apparent, that evolution provides additional special abilities, to some of the special divisions. Imperative to recognize in this twentieth century of scientific progression.

That distinguished scholar, John Fiske, has stated: "That in resort to abstract thought in the investigation of natural phenomena, with intent to explain the situation scientifically. The fragments of barbaric thinking are continually intruding unawares into the more modern scientific culture. A great amount of loose philosophy gets into our language.

Vital energy opens up a new chapter in methods and events of the Universe. The intellect is being enlarged; we are living in an age of ideas, undergoing a mighty revolution in human thought."

Scientific intelligence signifies and includes, a knowledge of Nature's method in the exercise of the power that is operative in the presenting of the phenomena in the several branches of natural science.

Therefore, it is evident that the early astronomer before the advent of Copernicus, was without scientific intelligence in aid of his calculations of coming events. And thus done his thought work from a basis of artificial plan.

And medical science is taught today, without comprehension of the operative plan of the vital energy. That confessed postponed problem, awaiting the coming of future generations for its solution. It then is evident that medical science as now taught; is also without scientific intelligence. That is, respecting the function of the life power energy, that executes every act and makes every move in the game of life. Being the only operative "active principle."

Consequently, the thought exercise, with relations of cause and effect; is based on an artificial plan as will later be demonstrated. The world is in need of a school of thought, that may cultivate and develop the reasoning and thinking abilities.

CHAPTER TWO Four Divisions of Life Powers

INSTINCT— when correctly defined, represents the first kind of animal life power that was exercised on the earth. That kind, which constructs organisms—both low and high.

It is this division that constructs cells and builds animal organisms. The first organisms were so low down that they consisted of an aggregation of a few cells; which organisms never developed beyond that condition. It is as important to recognize the methods of science— as presented by the life powers; as it is to know the material facts of science. In the early manifestation of animal life; there was no other kind of life power function exercised.

And with the human organisms— its entire make up is but a creation, from an aggregation of similar cells ; of which organs are constructed that can exercise different kinds of life function.

The word— instinct, is defined in Dungli-

2 3 son's Medical Dictionary as follows; which is approximately correct:

"The action of the living principle, whenever manifestly directing its operations to the health, preservation, or production of a living frame or any part of such frame. Instinct is natural. Reason is asquired."

Unfortunately, man has failed to recognize the importance in the game of life; of allowing but one word to represent but one kind of human life work. One kind of ultimate life expression.

Consequently, this word — instinct, is used not only to represent the constructive life power; but is used to represent other kinds of life function. That are legitimately represented by a different word.

This practice has obscured that clearness of vision so important for a recognition of the operative situation.

In illustration of the erroneous use of this word— there may be recognized, that the function of the mind called — intuition, is often and more frequent than otherwise — called instinct.

And innate intelligence is also called— instinct. While in the schools the function of instinct is illustrated, by reference to the act of the beaver in the building of a dam.

It is also a common practice to call that ability given to all animals to do things in aid of self preservation as being an exhibition of the function of instinct. While such ability is correctly represented in the words— innate intelligence, a born knowledge in aid of self preservation.

It is imperative, that when Nature has made distinctions in life functions; that man should be sufficiently generous to provide special names for their representation. Thus, unless we can recognize a practical distinction in operative life functions; it will be impossible to solve the problems of human life.

SENSATION, is the word that represents the second division to be considered. And is manifested by the entire organism.

Sensation is a life function manifested by certain nerves that relate the entire human organism to the contact world at insensible distances. This is a life function, but not a mind function.

This division does not express intelligence. It cannot think, while it may indirectly contribute to the acquirement of intelligence— in the fact. That the mind may recognize the kind of sensation that is being experienced. The mind may recognize the sensation of pain and cold.

Sensations are manifested of various kinds. Some of which may be represented by the name of heat, cold, hunger, nausea, pain, itching and innumerable other expressions. Taste and odors are sensations. This life function represents conditions that enable the mind to have knowledge of certain facts and situations of importance to recognize.

The function of sensation may experience both normal expressions as in health. Or it may experience irritable sensation in conditions of disease. The mind may recognize some sensations, but not all sensations.

Having used the words— "irritable sensation," it may be very instructive to turn to the dictionary and note the language that defines the word— "irritability." Which is but that situation, called irritable sensation:

"Irritability, a power, possessed by all living, organized bodies, of being acted upon by certain stimuli, and moving responsive to stimulation. It is the ultimate vital property."

This definition represents an operative situation that is not clearly illustrated; and that will be important to examine later. Thus while not practically instructive to consider at this time. Yet a brief reference to this language is important when considering this function of sensation.

Irritability, is a no different kind of life function; distinct from sensation. It signifies irritable sensation— no more, no less.

This life function has mention of being— "The ultimate vital property."

The word— "The," in this connection would seem to indicate, that there was but one kind of life function, entitled to be represented as an "ultimate vital property."

As a matter of scientific fact, however, there are four kinds of special functions; each entitled to be represented as being an "ultimate vital property."

That is, each of the four vital properties, execute a kind of life function the most remote of possible recognition. Those four words represent the beginning of special kinds of human life function.

Thus "irritability"— is but a pathologic manifestation, of the ultimate vital property of sensation.

The word sensation, is not only used to represent relations of the organism to the contact world in the experience of feelingtouch. But is erroneously used to represent the functions of the mind.

That is, incidents that occasion astonishment and amusement, are said to have caused a great sensation with a multitude of people. This custom by the public press and common usage is of daily mention. Thus concealing from recognition the scientific and true significance of such word; in the representing of a special function, and its relations with the many problems of life.

CONTRACTILITY, the third division of mention of ultimate life property. Is that life function exercised by the muscles, in an alternate contraction and relaxation of muscular fibre. Thus affording possibility for the execution of both voluntary and involuntary motion.

Thus function constitutes the animal strength property of life. And is susceptible of much cultivation and development. And is manifested in a remarkable degree in some of the small insect organisms and with the jumping field mouse and kangaroo.

The two mentioned divisions of life function—sensation and contractility, may be considered as twin endowments-given to animal organisms at the same time, as additional life powers.

That is, they are each dependent on the other for their expression; in evidence of an existing involuntary life function. Which will be mentioned later in the name of Cooperation.

Some of the low animal organisms have but three kinds of ultimate life powers. There was life on the earth for a long period, before there was any manifestation of mind.

SENSIBILITY, the fourth division of mention. The mind division of life property, is entitled to the distinction of being both a mind and a life function. A quality not given to any other division. The other divisions being life functions.

The word— sensibility in this connection, does not signify — ability to exercise good sense. But simply ability to exercise mind function.

This division, unlike that of sensation— 29 that relates the entire organism to the contact world at insensible distances. Relates the individual to the entire universe— at all distances; and is manifested only by the brain.

In medical literature, however, the extremities and various parts of the body, are given credit for— the exercise of the function of sensibility. But medical literature does not teach the science of human life. It is imperative in the interest of a correct idea of the situation; that the reader now determine—whether or not; it is legitimate in the interests of science, to recognize that each kind of life work performed; is entitled to be represented by a special name with the description of the ultimate life function that is exercised. That is, do life function facts —contribute support for such distinction?

The words— instinct, sensation, contractility and sensibility; are not of new coinage and application to the affairs of human life. But those words have been used so interchangeably, as to conceal from recognition a clear idea of the operative situation that is legitimately represented by such names.

It has not been recognized in human life 30 affairs; that each of the four words can represent but one kind of life work.

Neither of those named divisions can do the life work of any other division. Each is restricted to the performing of its own kind of life function. And each word in representation of such divisions is of equal practical significance; as are the words— digestion and circulation. They mean something, contributory to a comprehension of the operative plan and nature of vital force —the life power. The postponed problem.

Provided the fact is accepted— which may be verified by examination; that the four mentioned divisions of life powers each perform a life labor so distinct, as to be entitled to representation by a special name. It will constitute a recognition that vital energy as manifested by the human organism, must be accepted as being a composite power.

And it is this fact of possible verification, that provides the first key of practical application in aid of the solution of the nature of vital force. Constituting the operative fundamental principles of the science of human life.

"The secret of vital activity— the nature of vital force,"— that postponed problem of mention by Dr. Henry Maudsley, is no different kind of fact; unlike the life work represented in the function of the four divisions of ultimate life powers. Together with what is done as a more complex life act; by the cooperation of the four divisions of active vital principles.

The nature of vital force— that postponed problem, which distinguished authorities have relegated to future generations for its solution. Is plainly revealed to the comprehension in the recognition of the special kind of life work, executed by each of the four mentioned divisions of ultimate "active vital principle" as here described. Together with the life work that is jointly executed by those several divisions in the name of — cooperation.

Those special kinds of ultimate life acts and their cooperation— in the aggregate, represent in total; the working plan of the life power energy, as manifested from the relations of course and effect.

Thus those unmistakable facts of life power function, that are not of possible supported contradiction in their significance; will persuade to the recognition that vital energy— the human life power, as manifested by the living organism, must be accepted as a composite power. And when clearly understood in its operative method, contributes to the solution and comprehension of the many now confessed unsolved disease and medical problems in association with the affairs of human life.

In this thought research to discover the operative fundamental principles of human life science,— together with what is called medical science ; we are required to recognize the fact, that the operative vital energy — the human life power; is the only "active principle" — that acts and produces "results" from the relations of material medicine and the causes of disease; that may easily be recognized in the joint life functions exercised with the relations of cause and effect, in the name of —Cooperation.

Thus the developed "results" from the relations of material medicine and the causes of disease; being all produced by the action of "active vital principles." It then becomes imperative in aid of a most successful management of disease; that a comprehension be developed— in recognition, of the working plan of the human life powers. Such agency being the only kind of power— the only kind of "active principle"— concerned and operative, in the affairs of human life; that can produce "results" from the relations of causation.