LDLN - No 016

Magazine Overview

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), Volume 2, Issue 16, dated June 1959, is dedicated to those seeking truth and guiding humanity towards new horizons. It aims to reveal precious truths and assist humans on all levels of existence. The magazine's founder is R. VEILLITH, and it includes a spiritual message: "CHERCHEZ ET VOUS TROUVEREZ. Jésus."

Articles and Content

"SORTONS DES SENTIERS BATTUS" (Let's Leave the Beaten Path)

This lead article, featuring a quote from astronomer Camille Flammarion, urges readers to question their limited perspective on Earth and the universe. Flammarion posits that if humans understood their planet's modest position in the cosmos, they would be less foolish and more peaceful, living in pursuit of truth, beauty, and reason. The article suggests that while many readers have already stepped off the beaten path, they may have overlooked the vastness of the universe. It highlights the current era, with humanity on the verge of space exploration, as a time to contemplate the intersidereal realm and its lessons, which can humble human pride. The author emphasizes that Earth is but an atom in the infinite expanse of space, and its existence is fleeting. The article references recent messages from Salkazanov of the "Centre des Citoyens du Ciel," who advocates for a new consciousness of the universe's fantastic realities, urging people to shed nationalistic boundaries and embrace a universal outlook.

"PENSER INDIVIDUEL, PENSER UNIVERSEL" (Thinking Individually, Thinking Universally) by A. Chatillon, Biologist

This article, written specifically for the magazine's readers, delves into the multiple causes of human suffering accumulated over centuries. Chatillon argues that humanity has been conditioned to think in purely individualistic terms, driven by an instinct for self-preservation that has led to egoism. This human-centric view has placed humanity above other forms of creation, a concept reinforced by religions. The author contends that this excessive focus on the individual has led to the enslavement of nature and a constant complication of life. While material progress has brought advantages, it has also made humans more enslaved and susceptible to environmental changes. The article criticizes the relentless pursuit of profit, leading to overproduction and the exploitation of labor and agriculture. Modern farming practices, focused on maximizing yield, often disregard the well-being of other creatures and employ toxic products that harm human health. The author laments that modern life, driven by media like radio, TV, and press, exacerbates negative emotions such as hate, violence, and injustice, creating a constant state of agitation. This pursuit of superficial excitement has led humanity far from a natural, logical existence, replacing the pursuit of human happiness with an egoistic race for satisfaction and superiority over creation.

The Loss of Universal Sense

The article continues by stating that humanity has lost its universal sense, its "original sin" being the attempt to supplant God by remaking the world in a human mold, ignoring the life and roles of all creatures. This has led to a sense of being alone and naked behind an illusory world. Despite scientific advancements, humans cling to idols to justify their perceived superiority. The author observes that literature throughout history has largely celebrated human beings, even when they exhibit humility, maintaining a conviction of being an elite class. The current state of the world is described as irremediably compromised, facing an impasse. The author suggests that establishing peace would disrupt the current global economy, leading to mass unemployment and social conflict. The root of the problem is identified as the idea of superiority. If humanity could embrace a universal mindset, acknowledge God as the basis of all existence, and recognize every creature as a divine spark, the world could be changed. However, the author doubts humanity's willingness to return to this simple notion, given centuries of egoism and individualism. True humility, the article concludes, is not about subservience but about recognizing oneself as a child of God and a brother to all beings and elements, respecting creation and one's place within it.

"L'HYDROPISIE ET LE CANCER" (Hydropisy and Cancer) by Joseph André

This section presents important research by Joseph André, a collaborator who has dedicated his life to often-ignored studies. André, who collaborated with scientist Auguste Lumière on cancer research, explores the relationship between cancer and hydropisy (edema), suggesting that certain hydropic states can be linked to cancer. He describes his personal experiences and observations of hydropisy, noting that it is as dangerous as cancer. During his work on prophylaxis and demographics in Oran, he observed connections between these conditions. He recounts instances where patients seemingly recovered from hydropisy, only to succumb to the disease later. André himself suffered from hydropisy multiple times, as did his mother and father. He details his mother's struggle with ascites and her eventual death from a different form of hydropisy, linked to food poisoning. His father, who had hydropisy from 1916, later developed cancer in 1952. André believes there are often strong, unsuspected relationships between cancer and hydropisy, and that any effective remedy for hydropisy might also be effective against cancer. He mentions that his own hydropisy treatment led to an improvement in his cancerous state. He also posits the existence of multiple microbes responsible for hydropisy and discusses his "bio-analyzer" and "microbe analyzer" devices, which he claims can identify the causes of vital imbalances and suggest remedies. He notes that hydropisy involves an insufficiency of a certain metal (implied to be gold, based on later context), and that its absence leads to death.

"ETUDE DU SOL" (Study of the Soil) - Part 2, by Jeanne Rousseau, Doctor of Pharmacy

This ongoing publication discusses the critical importance of soil health for humanity's future and the global hunger problem. The article, originally from the "Pharmacie de l'Ouest" review in January 1959, critiques modern agricultural practices. It explains how the introduction of the moldboard plow ('versoir'), while increasing efficiency, has disrupted the soil's natural balance. The plow buries organic matter, preventing its decomposition and aeration, and creates a compacted layer ('semelle de labour') that hinders root growth and water penetration. This process leads to the death of beneficial bacteria, reduces humus content, and makes the soil more susceptible to drought and temperature extremes. The article also notes that the regular use of the plow leads to the destruction of earthworms, which are vital for soil aeration, drainage, and fertilization. The author contrasts the natural, beneficial processes of soil maintenance by earthworms with the destructive impact of the moldboard plow, concluding that they are incompatible. The text also touches upon the loss of nitrogen due to improper manure preparation and the overall degradation of soil fertility, leading to a less fertile, mineralized earth.

"DEMONSTRATION DE CAVENDISH - ATTRACTION - TOURBILLONS - FLUIDITE" (Cavendish Demonstration - Attraction - Vortices - Fluidity) by "LE RAISONNEUR"

This section challenges the concept of universal attraction, suggesting it is a fictional construct. The author discusses the Cavendish experiment, which is used to demonstrate attraction between masses. However, the article argues that the experiment only shows an effect, not a cause, and that the factor 'K' (representing the force of attraction) remains unchanged whether the force is attractive or repulsive. The author proposes that the phenomenon might be explained by a force of repulsion or by the presence of an "éther" (ether) and vortices, rather than a mystical attraction. The article criticizes scientists for clinging to the idea of attraction, which it deems nonsensical and a hindrance to true understanding. It calls for a return to the idea of a full space filled with ether. The author also briefly touches upon Archimedes' principle of buoyancy, noting that while the phenomenon is observed (a body immersed in a fluid receives an upward push equal to the weight of the displaced fluid), it is not explained by current scientific models. The article suggests that agitation of the fluid (like fine sand) can restore the buoyant effect, implying a more complex interaction than simple attraction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that challenges conventional scientific and philosophical paradigms. Key themes include the search for truth beyond established norms, the importance of understanding humanity's place in the vastness of the universe, and a critique of excessive individualism and materialism. There is a strong emphasis on spiritual and philosophical inquiry, with references to divine principles and the interconnectedness of all life. The editorial stance is one of encouraging critical thinking, open-mindedness, and a holistic approach to understanding reality, encompassing science, health, and the human spirit. The magazine advocates for a more harmonious relationship with nature and a universal perspective that transcends narrow human concerns.

This issue of "LUMIERES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night), published in the second quarter of 1959, delves into a variety of subjects ranging from the physics of fluids and granular mechanics to philosophical inquiries about destiny and the soul, alongside a curated list of books for sale.

Fluid Dynamics and Granular Mechanics

The issue begins by exploring the behavior of objects within fluids. It posits that the phenomenon of objects rising to the surface, even if denser than the fluid, is not solely due to Archimedes' principle but also to lateral forces exerted by the surrounding particles. These particles, described as fine grains, energetically push voluminous bodies to occupy free interstitial spaces. This concept is illustrated with examples like a wooden disc in water and the 'battée' method used by gold prospectors, where lateral action of sand grains helps to surface heavier foreign bodies.

The text further elaborates on the nature of fluids, suggesting they behave as if composed of an infinite number of tiny, tenuous balls. This granular model explains fluidity, as the irregular arrangement of these 'balls' facilitates their rolling over one another. The concept of lateral thrust is reinforced by discussing the mechanics of a fluid jet escaping from a reservoir, arguing that the force of the jet is determined by the height of the fluid column directly above the orifice, not the reservoir's width, due to the reciprocal cancellation of forces from adjacent columns.

Book Catalog

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a catalog of books available for purchase, categorized by subject. These include:

• "Objets volants non identifiés" (Unidentified Flying Objects): Titles like "MYSTERIEUX OBJETS CELESTES," "FACE AUX SOUCOUPES VOLANTES," and "LE DOSSIER DES SOUCOUPES VOLANTES."
• Astronomy: "L'ASTRONOMIE NOUVELLE," "NOTRE AMIE LA LUNE," and "LES MYSTERES DE L'ESPACE et du TEMPS."
• Rational Alimentation: "ENQUETE SUR LE VEGETARISME" and "NOURRIS TON CORPS."
• Rational Agriculture: "LES HOUNZA, UN PEUPLE QUI IGNORE LA MALADIE," "NOUS AVONS BRULE LA TERRE," and "FECONDITE DE LA TERRE."
• Atomic Dangers: "APOCALYPSE de l'ATOME," "PAIX OU GUERRE ATOMIQUE," and "LE DANGER ATOMIQUE."
• Vivisection: "LA VIVISECTION CE CRIME !"
• Vital Problems for Man: "JOIE DE VIVRE," "REFLEXIONS SUR LA CONDUITE DE LA VIE," and "BILAN DE LA CIVILISATION TECHNICIENNE."
• Miscellaneous: Titles on "LA FICTION DE L'ATTRACTION TERRESTRE ET LUNAIRE," "LA BATAILLE DU CANCER," "LES DERNIERS ATLANTES," and "LES PROPHETIES DES DERNIERS TEMPS."

Prices in French Francs (FR.) are listed for each book.

Philosophical Critique: Destiny and the Soul

The issue features a lengthy article titled "LA CROYANCE EN LA MODESTINATION A-T-ELLE UNE BASE SOLIDE ?" (Does the Belief in Predestination Have a Solid Basis?) by Robert BRASSY. Brassy expresses his dissatisfaction with Henry Bars' book "L'Homme et son âme" for not providing a clear definition of the soul. He recounts his own journey of questioning, which led him away from Christianity. He argues that the Christian belief in predestination is fundamentally flawed, negating the concepts of justice and love from a creator. Brassy criticizes the idea that each person is born with an immutable destiny, comparing it to a lottery where one's fate (wealth, intelligence, health, or poverty, illness, and hardship) is predetermined at birth, irrespective of one's actions. He concludes that such a belief implies a partial, implacable, and sanguinary deity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a broad interest in phenomena that challenge conventional scientific or philosophical understanding, as evidenced by the inclusion of topics like UFOs and the philosophical critique of religious dogma. The editorial stance, particularly in the philosophical section, is critical of established doctrines, advocating for a re-examination of fundamental beliefs regarding destiny, divine justice, and the nature of existence. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting literature across a wide spectrum of subjects, suggesting a desire to inform and provoke thought among its readership.