LDLN - No 035

Magazine Overview

Title: LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT
Issue: No. 35
Volume: 4ème Année
Date: March 1961
Publisher: R. VEILLITH (Founder)
Price: 0,50 N. F.

This issue of "LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT" (Lights in the Night) is dedicated to those seeking truth, presenting their discoveries as guiding lights in humanity's current darkness. The magazine aims to help individuals on various planes of existence and to highlight often-overlooked truths.

LE DRAME DES NOVATEURS (The Drama of Innovators)

This lead article, quoting D'Arsonval, explores the arduous journey of innovators. It laments that even in a century of progress, new ideas still face significant resistance, not just from material constraints but also from people. The magazine's founding is partly motivated by a desire to alleviate the "true drama" of innovators, their struggles, and persecutions. Auguste Lumière's book, "Les Fosseyeurs du Progrès" (The Gravediggers of Progress), is cited as a source detailing how many brilliant scientists, despite their beneficial discoveries, received no profit or honor, and instead faced difficulties due to human ignorance, jealousy, malice, and greed. The article notes that while some innovators may achieve recognition during their lifetime, often it takes generations, or even death, for their contributions to be fully acknowledged and rehabilitated. Historical examples are provided, including physiologist Magendie's denial of anesthesia, Bouillaud's denial of the telephone, Thiers' skepticism about railways, Academician Girard's doubts about water supply to high floors, Lavoisier's disbelief in meteorites, Ptolemy's assertion that the Earth doesn't rotate, the denial of Galvani's discoveries, and Daguerre's invention of photography being met with accusations of madness. The article also mentions the "enormities" spoken by Aragc regarding train travel and highlights a recent case of a radiesthesist, Clément Chalançon, who successfully located a gold ingot in a competition but faced dismissal from a scientist who asked about his university degrees.

Chalançon's invention, an "émettonde" for agriculture, which uses a copper oscillator, radioactive materials, and an aluminum antenna to project electromagnetic-cosmic radiations, is also discussed. Despite its potential, the fabrication had to be abandoned due to high production costs and lack of publicity, though it earned him gold and silver medals. The article concludes this section by quoting Casimir Delavigne: "they have the inexcusable fault of being right too soon."

VEUX-TU POSSEDER LE BONHEUR ? (Do You Want to Possess Happiness?)

Authored by Louis Canivet, a Doctor of Philosophy, Theology, and Letters, this section offers spiritual and philosophical guidance. It encourages readers to overcome fear – fear of daily effort, of changing established ideas, of what others think, and of the uncertain future. The "One Necessary Thing" is identified as the "Kingdom of God," which resides within. True prayer is described not as a need for God, but as listening to His voice within and following it. The text emphasizes that God knows our needs better than we do and provides comfort, strength, and forgiveness. It advises against dictating to God and instead encourages surrender and trust. The core message is that to love God, one must love their neighbor, and that honesty, truthfulness, and self-awareness are crucial. It advocates for patience, forgiveness, speaking well of others, and maintaining balance. The pursuit of self-interest, money, and worldly worries is discouraged, with an emphasis on trusting divine providence for basic needs. Simplicity of heart and living in poverty are encouraged. The text also stresses the importance of doing good without expecting reward and loving even those who do harm. It cautions against comparison with others, as it breeds jealousy and hatred, and encourages compassion and generosity. Suffering is presented as a tool for spiritual growth, to be accepted with equanimity. Readers are urged not to seek injustice but to combat it without hate, and to remain humble, recognizing their own insignificance in the grand scheme.

CESSEZ DE VOUS EMPOISONNER (Stop Poisoning Yourself)

This article, a summary of a conference by Dr. G. Hummel in Saint-Etienne, argues that most illnesses stem from artificial lifestyles and that the terrain, rather than microbes, is paramount. While modern medicine has curbed some infectious diseases, chronic "civilization diseases" like cardiovascular issues, allergies, and digestive problems are on the rise. The causes are attributed to:

• Habitat: Lack of sunlight and fresh air in urban environments.
• Modern Life: Stress and lack of relaxation.
• Poisons: Nicotine and alcohol consumption.
• Dietary Causes:
• Lack of Raw Foods: Cooked food destroys vitamins, auxones, and minerals. Raw foods are essential for life and digestion. Kuschakoff's research showed that cooked meals increase white blood cells, indicating a defensive reaction, unlike meals starting with raw foods.
• Albumins: While animal proteins are rich in amino acids, the theory that some are indispensable and require animal sources is challenged. The article cites research suggesting that even "indispensable" amino acids can be synthesized by the body, and that purely vegetarian and raw food diets can maintain excellent health and performance. Meat, particularly pork, is linked to uric acid and putrefaction, while plant-based proteins are preferred.
• Fats: The body needs 50-80g of fat daily; excessive intake is common. Distinguishing between easily digestible oils and harder fats, the article warns against cooked butter due to acrolein production and margarine as a mix of fats.
• Toxins: Foods can contain "ameliorants," preservatives, hormones, antibiotics, insecticides, chemical fertilizers, and colorants.

Practical Conclusion: Each meal should begin with raw foods (fruits, salads, raw vegetables). The ideal diet consists of whole grains, ripe fruits, dried fruits, oilseeds, vegetables, cold-pressed vegetable oils, and honey. Secondary foods include meat, fish, dairy, starches, canned goods, pasta, white flour, sugar, and white salt. This diet aligns with biblical descriptions of human sustenance. The article notes that meat consumption became prevalent only centuries later, with certain animals (like pork) being excluded, and recent work linking pork to cancer. It quotes Saint-Paul: "Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit," and Hippocrates: "All prudent men...will know that diseases result from various alterations of the humors which come from food, drinks, fatigues..."

A quote from Raymond Dextreit is included: "IT IS HARDLY POSSIBLE TO PRETEND TO RESPECT HUMAN LIFE AND TO MASSACRE OR LET MASSACRE ANIMALS TO SATISFY A SIMPLE GUSTATORY PLEASURE, WHEN FRUITS ARE SO DELICIOUS, SO HEALTHY, MUCH MORE NUTRITIOUS, AND DO NOT CONTRIBUTE TO DULLING THE SENTIMENTS, AS CAN HAPPEN WITH CARNIVOROUS PRACTICES."

LES DALTONIENS DE L'EVIDENCE (The Colorblind of Evidence)

By René Pradel, this article critiques established scientific theories, particularly the concept of attraction (gravity). Pradel argues that he has been challenging official theorists for years and is accused of abandoning theses without remorse, which he refutes by stating he merely considers possibilities. He contends that the "modern" approach is one of "ease" and "attraction," lacking genuine curiosity. He criticizes scientists for presenting explanations that seem designed to fool the public, stating he feels no inclination to be deceived. Pradel asserts that his curiosity is not dead and that he intends to dismantle the "myth" of attraction, which he believes is a purely mechanical phenomenon related to planetary movements, not a mystical force. He argues that this "mysticism of attraction" has become a ingrained habit, making it difficult for theorists to abandon. He also criticizes "Wave Mechanics" as another dubious theory. Pradel believes that the scientific community is "colorblind" to evidence and that the current understanding of attraction is a "fiction." He points to Newton's own doubts about action at a distance without an intermediary. Pradel suggests that the widespread acceptance of attraction is due to its convenience as a concept, which has become deeply embedded in language and thought, creating a vicious cycle. He draws a parallel with the theory of "Wave Mechanics," which he sees as similarly flawed.

He then discusses the propagation of signals, using the example of radar communication with the Moon. He explains that the time it takes for a signal to travel to the Moon and back (approximately one second each way) demonstrates that the signal travels through the ether, refuting the idea of instantaneous propagation. He states that this phenomenon, while seemingly simple, is crucial for understanding the nature of light and its relationship with gravity. He promises to show how this "cheminement" (journey) and instantaneousness are not incompatible, referencing Einstein's concept of the isotropy of light. The article concludes with a quote attributed to Richet: "WHEN A NEW IDEA IS INTRODUCED INTO SCIENCE, IT IS LIKE A STONE THROWN INTO A FROG POND, OBJECTIONS ARISE, MULTIPLE, AFTERWARDS, OFTEN ABSURD."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions the cause of the unconventional thinker and the "novator," highlighting their struggles against established scientific and societal norms. There is a strong emphasis on seeking truth beyond conventional wisdom, often drawing from spiritual or alternative scientific perspectives. The editorial stance is critical of mainstream science when it appears dogmatic or resistant to new ideas, as seen in the critiques of gravity and the promotion of alternative explanations. Health and diet are presented as crucial aspects of well-being, with a clear preference for natural and raw food approaches over conventional medical or dietary advice. The magazine promotes a holistic view of life, integrating spiritual, physical, and intellectual development, and encourages self-reliance and inner guidance over external authority. The overall tone is one of challenging the status quo and encouraging readers to question accepted truths and explore deeper realities.

This document is the second part of a conference titled "LE RATIONALISME ET LA PLURALITE DES MONDES HABITES" (Rationalism and the Plurality of Inhabited Worlds), presented by Pierre GUERIN, a Researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics in Paris, to the Union Rationaliste on November 15th. The content is described as revolutionary and has challenged researchers and scientists.

Venus: A Doubtful Case for Habitability

The article begins by discussing Venus, a planet likely hotter than Earth due to its proximity to the Sun. However, its solid surface is obscured by a thick cloud layer that intercepts infrared radiation, making direct surface temperature measurement impossible. Recent attempts to measure radio emissions in the centimeter range, which should theoretically pass through the atmosphere, yielded temperatures of +200° to +300°. But, it is questioned whether this radiation originates from the surface or the ionosphere, whose existence has been recently detected by Soviet astrophysicist KOSYREV. If the surface temperature is indeed much lower, as suggested, Venus might have oceans, but its atmosphere, composed mainly of nitrogen and abundant carbon dioxide, also contains water vapor. Observations by STRONG's team at 25 km altitude, above the cloud layer, indicated temperatures below 0°C and more water vapor than in Earth's stratosphere. This suggests Venus's lower atmosphere could contain as much or more water vapor than Earth's, and its clouds are likely aqueous. If Venus's surface temperature is below 100°C, it might be partially covered by oceans, potentially habitable. However, the absence of detectable free oxygen in Venus's atmosphere means higher terrestrial animals could not breathe there.

Mars: A Thin Atmosphere and Primitive Life Possibilities

The discussion then shifts to Mars, a planet whose habitability has been debated. Mars possesses a thin atmosphere with an atmospheric pressure at the surface that is only 1/10th of Earth's. The atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen and does not contain free oxygen, though it does contain a small amount of water vapor, not yet detected by spectrographs but evidenced by the polar ice caps that shrink in summer and reform in autumn. These caps are confirmed to be frozen water by DOLFUS's polarimetric studies. Mars's atmosphere also contains carbon dioxide, twice as abundant per surface area as on Earth. The scarcity of water and low atmospheric pressure mean there are no seas or oceans on Mars. Furthermore, the absence of free oxygen implies no atmospheric ozone. This has led some to prematurely conclude that the planet is not habitable due to unfiltered solar ultraviolet radiation below 0.3 microns. However, the article clarifies that while ultraviolet radiation below 0.2 microns is completely absorbed by the photochemical dissociation of Martian carbon dioxide and nitrogen, radiation above 0.2 microns is partially absorbed by a diffuse "violet layer" of unknown composition and absorption percentage.

Mars's surface temperature, measured by thermoelectric couples, is very low at night, not exceeding -50°, but can reach +30° at the equator at noon. The article concludes that Mars is not habitable for higher terrestrial life forms, but more resistant species could survive and potentially thrive there, citing experiments by P. BEQUEREL and recent work by American biochemists in space research.

The Broader Question of Extraterrestrial Life

Summarizing, the article states that only Earth has physical conditions favorable for higher life as we know it. Venus and Mars might harbor certain forms of terrestrial life, likely elementary ones like bacteria or microscopic algae. The discussion then broadens to question whether terrestrial life forms are the only ones possible in the universe. While acknowledging the lack of data to examine life based on chemistries other than carbon, the article suggests that the complexity of carbon compounds makes it plausible to imagine life based on other organic compounds. Even without radically different chemistries, it is conceivable that life forms chemically similar to Earth's could be morphologically different and adapted to different physical conditions, such as those on Mars.

Challenging Scientific Dogma

The article criticizes the reluctance of many astronomers to consider the possibility of life extending beyond Earth's known conditions. It notes a visible aversion to admitting the potential for vital phenomena when environmental properties deviate even slightly from terrestrial norms. This has led to the widespread assumption that any life on Mars must be primitive, like bacteria, algae, or lichens, which are more resistant to cold and dryness. Some have even denied the possibility of Martian vegetation altogether, arguing that plants produce oxygen, and its absence on Mars proves no vegetation has ever existed there (citing Johnstone Stoney and A. Danjon).

The author advocates for a rationalist approach, where imagination is limited only by observation and experience. Any hypothesis, even one challenging established ideas, should be considered if it is verifiable. The article points to the long-standing hypothesis of Martian vegetation, supported by observations of permanent dark spots on Mars that vary in intensity and coloration with seasons and years. This hypothesis has been subjected to observation and experience over the past twenty years with apparent success.

Soviet astronomer TIKHOV and his students demonstrated through experiments on terrestrial plants that their reflective power approximates that of Mars's dark areas under rigorous conditions, where chlorophyll bands attenuate. Biologist KOURSANOV further noted that certain terrestrial plants can store oxygen by decomposing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, thus not requiring atmospheric free oxygen. These findings, while not definitive proof of Martian vegetation, make the hypothesis plausible within the orthodox framework of plant properties.

Conclusion and Further Information

These extracts are from issue No. 192 (December 1960) of "Cahiers Rationalistes." Readers interested in the full report of this conference can request it from the Union Rationaliste at 24, Rue des Grands-Augustins, Paris 6ème, for 1 NF plus 0.05 NF for postage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration of the possibility of life beyond Earth, specifically on Venus and Mars, within a rationalist framework that encourages open-minded inquiry based on scientific observation and experience, rather than rigid adherence to established dogma. The editorial stance supports the investigation of unconventional hypotheses regarding extraterrestrial life and planetary habitability, challenging the reluctance of some scientists to consider such possibilities.