LDLN - No 032

Magazine Overview

This is the December 1960 issue, number 32, of the 3rd year of the monthly review "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night). Founded by R. VEILLITH, the magazine is dedicated to those seeking truth and new horizons, aiming to help humanity and highlight often-unknown truths. The issue features a cover headline urging readers "NE TOURNEZ PAS LE DOS A LA VIE !" (Don't Turn Your Back on Life!) with a quote from Raymond DEXTREIT.

Editorial: Don't Turn Your Back on Life!

The editorial addresses the vital importance of rational alimentation, a topic previously covered but deemed necessary to reiterate due to widespread ignorance. It argues that while vegetarianism and its implications are largely ignored, it represents a profound truth from ancient times with immense economic, social, and individual value. Based on comparative anatomy and physiology, the author asserts that humans are not omnivores or carnivores. Carnivores have small incisors, long canines, and sharp molars, with a small stomach and a short intestine (4-5 times body length). Herbivores have large incisors, small canines, and flat molars, with a large stomach (paunch) and a long intestine (25 times body length). Frugivores and granivores have medium incisors, short canines, and rounded molars, with a medium stomach and an intestine 10-12 times body length. The bear is noted as an exception among omnivores with its dual-model molars. Humans, with their laterally mobile jaws for grinding grains, are anatomically suited for a diet of fruits and grains. The author quotes Cuvier, stating that comparative anatomy shows humans resemble frugivores, not carnivores, and that disguising dead flesh makes it digestible.

The editorial criticizes humanity for straying from natural truths, leading to a disregard for the Creator and a pursuit of "food progress" that ignores vital principles. It highlights the writings of Dr. Paul TOURNTER, who stated that obeying God's laws is conducive to health. The current diet, along with chemically fertilized produce, leads to transgressions of natural laws, with food being refined, preserved, and altered with harmful chemicals. This, the author contends, is the cause of increasing chronic diseases and racial degeneration. Modern medicine's reliance on drugs, vaccines, and miracle cures are seen as mere expedients that address effects rather than causes, failing to restore true health. The article mentions R. DEXTREIT's "Vivre en Harmonie," which points out that the focus is on managing chronic illness rather than curing it, citing examples like insulin for diabetics and cortisone for rheumatism.

The Problem of Modern Medicine and Natural Solutions

The article contrasts the suffering of humans with the natural longevity of free-living animals, suggesting that domesticated animals suffer more due to unnatural diets. It references the work of Julien DALEMONT and J. DEMARQUETTE ("Des Hounza aux Yoguis") to support the idea that a rational vegetarian diet positively impacts physical and mental health. The author emphasizes that nature provides all necessities: fresh and dried fruits, nuts, oilseeds, and cereals. For those with severe hereditary issues, natural factors like water, air, sunlight, and plants can aid recovery. The simplicity of these natural methods is contrasted with the complexity of modern life, with many people preferring the "law of least effort." True healing and adaptation require serious, tenacious, and voluntary effort, but yield significant results.

Economically, the benefits are immense: one hectare of fruits and vegetables can feed 10 vegetarians, whereas only one carnivore. Gabriel VIAUD-BRUANT is cited stating that vegetarianism is crucial to the economic problem due to increased worker resistance and reduced food costs. The article refutes the notion that vegetarianism leads to weakness, asserting that a rational, progressive adaptation to a diet of cereals and other plant-based foods provides strength. It stresses the importance of documentation before adopting vegetarianism.

Natural Treatment Basics

This section, by Raymond DEXTREIT, discusses natural curative factors that should complement dietary reforms for a revitalized organism. It emphasizes the importance of drainage, stating that "LA DESASSIMILATION PRECEDE TOUJOURS L'ASSIMILATION" (Disassimilation always precedes assimilation). Even when thin, the body retains waste that must be eliminated for reconstitution. Drainage is aided by clay, hydrotherapy, total respiration, heliosis, plants, fasting, and fruit cures.

Nature is presented as the source of all healing, prevention, and health maintenance. Unlike medications that merely calm symptoms, natural methods aim to expel illness from the body, sometimes causing temporary apparent disorders like eruptions or diarrhea. The article notes that the elimination of unhealthy elements leads to a sense of well-being. Nature's methods promote balance, helping both overweight and underweight individuals. The focus is on nutrition, with deficiencies being "maladies de la nutrition." Overloading the organism with unhealthy foods, toxic substances (alcohol, tobacco, etc.), or even excessive consumption of otherwise healthy foods can lead to congestion.

Evacuation and the Path to Health

Accelerating evacuations is crucial for healing diseased organs or restoring failing functions, especially when the intestines are congested or the liver is engorged. The "Voie de la Santé" (Path to Health) begins with eliminating the causes of illness. For those discouraged by failed medical treatments, adopting this natural path with determination is advised. Initial positive results should be celebrated but not lead to complacency, as the goal is total health. The article lists specific plants beneficial for drainage and detoxification, categorized by organ: liver (Artichaut, Boldo, etc.), kidneys and bladder (Bugrane, cherry stems, etc.), intestines (Bourdaine, Senna, etc.), and blood purification (Nettle, Hops, etc.). Recipes for herbal mixtures for the liver, constipation, kidneys/bladder, and blood purification are provided.

Fasting and Fruit Cures

Fasting and fruit cures are presented as complementary. Fasting is described as dangerous during fever when the body lacks necessary ferments. If the diet is natural, occasional fasting (one day a week, or skipping meals) can initiate therapeutic action. Total fasting for up to three days is possible for those who feel the need, but longer fasts require experienced supervision. Fruit cures, however, can be undertaken deliberately and in stages, starting with one day a week and gradually increasing to one or two weeks. The advice is to choose fruits in season and vary them to benefit from diverse properties. A fruit cure is recommended before fasting, and the reintroduction of food after fasting should be gradual, starting with juices and then fresh fruits and vegetables. Carrots and turnips are highlighted for their juice and their role in blood reconstitution.

Revulsions

Revulsion therapies, ancient methods for dealing with congestion, are also discussed. These range from gentle methods like using cabbage leaves to more energetic ones like mustard flour sinapisms. For muscular or rheumatic pain, digestive issues, or hepatic congestion, poultices made from son (a plant), cabbage leaves, and onions are recommended. These are applied hot to the affected area for extended periods. For nervous subjects or spasmodic pain, ivy leaves can be used. Even raw cabbage leaves, finely crushed, can alleviate headaches or leg pain of circulatory origin.

Scientific Debate: Tidal Forces and Gravimeters

This section features an article by René PRADEL, responding to criticisms from Charles NAHON regarding his theory of tides. NAHON, author of "Chronique de l'antipesanteur," questions PRADEL's theory based on gravimeter readings. PRADEL explains that gravimeters measure gravity's intensity, with normal gravity being 981 gals. Variations of 0.3 milligals (0.0003 gals) are considered very small. NAHON argues that PRADEL's theory of lunar tidal forces, described as 1/4000th of gravity, is false because gravimeters do not detect such a force. PRADEL acknowledges the discrepancy but insists on the validity of his theory, which involves the composition of velocities.

PRADEL uses the example of a chariot (Steiz's chariot from the 18th century) to illustrate the composition of velocities. He explains that a stone thrown vertically upwards from a moving platform will land back on the platform, not behind it, due to the platform's forward motion. Similarly, he argues that points on Earth's surface have a rotational velocity (463 m/s at the equator) plus a velocity due to the Earth's movement around its barycenter (29 m/s at the nadir). He calculates that the effective horizontal velocity at the nadir is 463 + 17 m/s (29 m/s minus Earth's barycentric movement of 12 m/s), totaling 480 m/s. This excess velocity, he claims, causes the parabolic trajectory of water, leading to tidal bulges. He states that gravimeters are incapable of detecting this phenomenon.

PRADEL further explains that while oceans communicate, water at the nadir momentarily possesses a higher velocity (480 m/s) than water ahead of it (463 m/s). This excess kinetic energy in the liquid element translates into a swelling, producing the tidal bulge. He concludes that the tidal phenomenon is not directly at the nadir but slightly after, due to this energy gain.

He expresses gratitude to NAHON for raising the gravimeter objection, as it allowed him to discover this primordial and instructive characteristic: that the Earth's gravity is independent of the tidal phenomenon. This explains why direct experiments have failed to demonstrate the force responsible for tides. He is pleased to give this discovery the "premiere" to "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT."

Radiesthesia Commission

This section reports on a commission established by the Academy of Sciences to investigate radiesthesia (dowsing). The commission, formed in 1913, included prominent scientists like BRANLY, D'ARSONVAL, DESLANDRES, Charles RICHET, and Armand GAUTHIER. An experiment conducted in 1921 at the Parc de Versailles, involving two amateurs and engineer GUILLET, yielded largely negative results, described as "far from being complete." The article notes that Louis PROBST, a skilled dowser, was then asked to repeat experiments with small metallic masses, which also resulted in complete failure.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes natural health, vegetarianism, and alternative scientific explanations, particularly in physics and astronomy. It criticizes conventional medicine and scientific dogma, advocating for a return to nature and a holistic approach to well-being. The editorial stance is one of challenging established norms and presenting what it considers to be fundamental, often overlooked, truths about life, health, and the universe.

This issue, identified as 'II' of the publication "Lumières dans la Nuit," was printed in the 4th quarter of 1960 by R. Veillith from Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France. The magazine focuses on phenomena related to radiesthesia, dowsing, and potentially UFOs, alongside scientific explorations of celestial bodies like the Moon.

Dowsing Experiments and Scientific Acceptance

The issue details several dowsing experiments, primarily featuring the work of a 'sourcier' (dowser) named M. Probst. On October 25, 1921, in Meudon, Probst reportedly located an underground water pipe using both a divining rod and a special 'detector' of his own design. The article recounts how Probst's predictions, including the location and depth (estimated at 480 meters, later refined to 2 meters), were verified by the Compagnie des Eaux and the company's agents. Further successful experiments are mentioned on October 27, 1921, at the farm of Trivaux, and on October 29, 1921, near the cemetery of Ivry, where Probst identified underground cavities and a quarry, with depths aligning closely with official data.

The text highlights a shift in the scientific community's perception of dowsing. It notes that the initial contact between scientists and dowsers was encouraging, and despite the lack of formal methodology in early experiments, the results led to a more benevolent view from the scientific world. The article contrasts this with past skepticism, citing an engineer in 1913 who advocated for legal action against dowsers. It mentions that prominent figures like BRANLY accepted honorary presidencies, and members of the Académie des Sciences and Académie de Médecine sought membership in the "Société des Amis de la Radiesthésie." The industrial sector is also noted as increasingly seeking the expertise of dowsers for locating water resources and mineral concessions.

Exploration of the Moon

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to an article by Joseph Andre titled "CONNAISSONS-NOUS BIEN LA LUNE ?" (Do We Know the Moon Well?). This article, presented as a follow-up to a previous study, challenges the conventional view of the Moon as a dead, uninhabited celestial body. Andre suggests that while the Moon's surface appears desolate, it might harbor vestiges of life or extinct species, comparable to Lemuria and Atlantis on Earth. He posits that life on the Moon is in a state of decline but that its 'invisible' aspect, or astral plane, continues to exist and interpenetrates its atmosphere. The article discusses how novelists have depicted lunar life, suggesting there is truth to these portrayals, albeit with life being slower than on Earth. It specifically focuses on the Copernicus crater, describing its immense size (covering a region comparable to Paris to Orléans) and its unique geological features, such as annular mountain ranges, mamelons, and sharp peaks, which are unlike those found on Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to advocate for the serious study of phenomena like dowsing, emphasizing the need for rigorous methods akin to observational sciences. There's a clear stance against outright dismissal of these subjects, promoting a more open and benevolent attitude from the scientific establishment. The publication also seems to have a satirical element, acknowledging that even their successes are sometimes gently critiqued by "actualistes." The editorial tone is one of promoting the legitimacy and potential of dowsing and similar unconventional investigations, while also engaging with broader scientific topics like lunar exploration. The subscription information and availability of past issues of "Lumières dans la Nuit" are also provided at the end of the issue.