it must contain twice as many
sulphuric as phosphoric salts.
We talk glibly about a natural mode of living, a simple diet; but where
in our civilized countries can we find food that really serves healthy
sanguification?
The crux of the question is this: Why do we propose to _heal naturally_
and not also to _nourish naturally_?--The latter is, to say the least of
it, just as important as the former. But if both were practiced
conjointly, a beneficial object might be more quickly and surely gained.
It is true, we are taught to eat more vegetables than meat; that our
bread lacks the chief nourishing qualities, and so on; but we have
hitherto been in no wise informed as to the substances that are
relatively harmful or beneficial to us.
Why is it then that the science of the sanative power of nature, as well
as medical science, is still in doubt in regard to the relation that
must absolutely exist between the separate component parts of our
nourishment in order to obtain normal healthy sanguification?
_The reason is that the application of a real chemistry of life has
never been comprehended until now._
According to my judgment it is Von Liebig and Julius Hensel who showed
us the paths we are to take to the field of enquiry most important of
all; for without a sound body all the coveted acquisitions of modern
times are worthless to us.
The solution of the question how to prevent the degeneration of mankind
would be a simple and natural one, if history and proverb had not taught
us that as often as a new truth appears "the very oxen butt their horns
against it." They cannot help this, the "disposition" is natural; for
when Pythagoras had found the Master of Arts, Mathesios, he was so
overjoyed that he sacrificed one hundred oxen to the gods, and ever
since that time oxen are attacked with an hereditary fright whenever a
new truth appears,--the human ox is no exception.
Of what use to us, for instance, are the Roentgen X-rays in diseases of
the nerves when there is a generally diseased condition of the blood,
which, as we now know, is also the primary cause of lung, liver, stomach
and kidney troubles, cancer, scrofula, rheumatism, gout, obesity,
diabetes, and the rest?
In such cases _chemistry_ is necessary, in order to ascertain what
ingredients are missing in the blood; they cannot be detected
microscopically.
What blunders are continually committed in the treatment of nerve
diseases! No one considers
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