Seklet - 1956 No 5

Magazine Overview

This issue of SEKLET, number 5, from 1956, is primarily focused on the societal and scientific trends of the era, with a strong emphasis on the medical field and the formation of human opinions. The magazine presents a critical perspective on the increasing centralization and socialization of medical science, questioning the direction of governmental and organizational initiatives. It also explores psychological theories on opinion formation, delves into parapsychological phenomena, and highlights the historical struggles of medical innovators.

Centralisering - Socialisering av den medicinska vetenskapen

The lead article, "Centralisering - Socialisering av den medicinska vetenskapen," argues that understanding society's current and future state requires examining the various committees and commissions established by the government and other organizations. The author views this process as a complex, long-term strategic game where individual freedom is increasingly curtailed by a bureaucratic system. The article specifically points to the socialization of the medical field, citing committees on pharmaceuticals, vaccinations, and physician authority. It notes the slow but steady progress in this direction, exemplified by the decades-long effort to enact a law against quackery, which has resulted in proposals that, while seemingly refined, aim to restrict medical practices, particularly homeopathy. The author criticizes the composition of these committees, stating that they often lack representation from opposing viewpoints, leading to one-sided investigations.

The article further elaborates on the medical field, suggesting that direct attempts to socialize medical treatment and pharmaceuticals would face strong public resistance. Therefore, committees employ indirect methods, leaving some room for freedom but ultimately aiming to control the sector. The author laments the lack of public outcry against these developments, comparing the situation to the Augean stables needing a Hercules to clean them.

Hur bildas människans åsikter?

This section explores the psychological underpinnings of opinion formation. It discusses behaviorist perspectives, such as those of Watson and Adler, which posit that individuals are shaped entirely by external influences and social conditions. The article contrasts this with a view that emphasizes the individual's inherent personality and will, rejecting the idea that humans are mere robots molded by their environment. While acknowledging the influence of external factors, the author argues that these theories, by focusing on only one aspect, present a distorted picture. The article posits that history is shaped not by mass conditions but by leading personalities who often act against the prevailing social norms. It critiques the notion of an "objective science," suggesting that even statistics can be manipulated by dishonest individuals. The core argument is that opinions are formed through an individual's fundamental worldview or "grundåskådning," which is a personal choice and develops over time, influenced by upbringing and life experiences.

Det universella medvetandet

This article discusses the concept of "universal consciousness" and related parapsychological phenomena like clairvoyance, psychometry, and automatic writing. The author asserts that while our existence and the world around us are largely inexplicable, our knowledge is relative. The article dismisses the idea of a truly universal or cosmic consciousness, arguing that observed phenomena are limited to our earthly sphere and do not extend to other planets or solar systems. It suggests that this "parapsychological consciousness" is bound to Earth and its inhabitants. The author recounts an anecdote about a schoolteacher in Finland who experienced a vision in a Stockholm church, which, upon investigation, turned out to be a historical event from the Middle Ages. This vision, perceived through inner senses, is presented as evidence of a reality beyond our physical senses, a state that is only accessible in exceptional circumstances.

Finns det "synska" människor - klärvoajans?

This piece examines the phenomenon of clairvoyance, referencing a radio program that discussed extrasensory perception. The author criticizes the scientific establishment's tendency to dismiss or remain ignorant of such phenomena. The article presents two examples of clairvoyance: one involving a lost pair of scissors found in a handbag, and another where a person accurately described the location of lost money. The author argues that understanding these events does not require a scientific degree, as their reality is evident to anyone who observes them. The article also mentions the case of a clairvoyant pastor named Dillner and discusses the abilities of somnambulists to perceive illnesses and predict events, citing examples from various authors.

Gall och Calligaris

This section introduces two significant figures in the study of the human psyche: Gall and Calligaris. Franz Joseph Gall is credited with pioneering phrenology, the study of the skull's shape to determine character and mental faculties. The article highlights Gall's meticulous research, involving the examination of thousands of skulls and living individuals, to map different mental faculties to specific areas of the brain. It notes that despite his groundbreaking work, Gall's discoveries were largely rejected by the established medical community for a long time. The article also mentions Calligaris, an Italian physician who investigated nerve centers and their connection to psychological manifestations, including psychometry and precognition.

Vi får ökad kraft genom basöverskott

Written by Ragnar Berg, a Doctor of Natural Science, this article focuses on nutrition and the importance of mineral substances, particularly acids and bases, for health. Berg explains that minerals in food are either acid-forming or base-forming. He emphasizes that an excess of base-forming substances in the diet is beneficial, promoting metabolism and aiding in the excretion of waste products. Conversely, an excess of acid-forming minerals can lead to the body's protein being broken down, producing harmful substances like uric acid, which can impair metabolism and contribute to various illnesses. Berg advises consuming more potatoes, vegetables, and fruits, which are predominantly base-forming, to maintain energy and health.

Samuel Hahnemann

This biographical piece details the life and work of Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy. It recounts the intense persecution and skepticism Hahnemann faced from the medical establishment for his revolutionary ideas, which challenged the prevailing "allopathic" medical practices of his time, such as bloodletting and purging. The article highlights Hahnemann's principle of "like cures like" and his emphasis on minimal dosage. Despite facing significant opposition, Hahnemann established a successful practice, published extensively, and gained followers. The article notes that while homeopathy was initially rejected in Sweden, it gained widespread acceptance in major cultural nations like Germany, France, and the United States, with dedicated hospitals and university courses.

Bra böcker utsäljas

This section is an advertisement for books published by LITTERATURFÖRLAGET, offering several titles at a reduced price of 1 krona each. The listed books cover a range of topics including human knowledge, poetry, psychology, health, phrenology, astrology, and travel. Notable authors featured include Viktor Vallberg, Vera Arnö, C. B. Gaunitz, Agnes Svärd-Carlsson, Gunnar Almgren, and Tore Blom.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout the issue, there is a recurring theme of challenging established norms and questioning authority, particularly within the medical and scientific communities. The magazine exhibits a critical stance towards government overreach, bureaucratic control, and the suppression of alternative ideas. There is a strong advocacy for individual freedom, natural healing methods like homeopathy and herbal remedies, and a belief in the importance of personal worldview in shaping opinions. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting critical thinking, supporting unconventional scientific and medical approaches, and highlighting the historical struggles of those who dared to innovate against the status quo.