Seklet - 1959 No 4-5

Magazine Overview

SEKLET, Issue No. 4-5, 1959, is a Swedish magazine focused on health, natural remedies, alternative science, and spirituality. This issue features a diverse range of articles, from historical health practices to modern scientific and pseudoscientific explorations.

Articles

An Incredible Story (En otrolig saga)

The lead article, 'An Incredible Story,' by an unnamed author, reflects on a time approximately 150 years prior when dental problems were rare. The author posits that this was due to a diet that required more chewing and less processed food, contrasting it with the widespread dental decay of the present day. The article suggests that while science has not fully addressed this, factors beyond diet might be involved, referencing a booklet titled 'Tandrötan' (Tooth Decay).

Pollen Cured a Severely Ill Patient Where Doctors Were Powerless! (Frömjöl botade svårt sjuk där läkaren stod maktlös!)

Authored by Nils Öquist, this piece highlights the potential of pollen as a remedy. Professor Erik Ask-Upmark of Uppsala is cited for successfully treating a man with a persistent prostate inflammation using pollen lozenges. The patient had suffered for five years, with only Chloromycetin providing temporary relief. After spontaneously starting to take pollen lozenges, he recovered and remained healthy for two years, only experiencing a relapse when he stopped taking them. The article notes that the exact active substance in pollen is unknown but analyzes suggest it contains amino acids, vitamins, and estrogenic substances. Pollen is also mentioned as being beneficial for liver inflammation and as a general tonic. The article includes several other testimonials and reports from various Swedish and German publications regarding the efficacy of pollen preparations for conditions like influenza, allergies, cancer (in rat experiments), and anemia, noting its high Vitamin B12 content.

Energy Generation from Cosmic Radiation (Energialstring ur kosmisk strålning)

This article discusses a sensational claim from the German magazine Weltgewissen about an invention by American scientist Dr. Th. Moray. Moray reportedly constructed a device, about the size of a small radio, that could convert cosmic radiation into usable energy. The apparatus, connected to the earth and an antenna, could power 30-50 light bulbs or an electric iron, producing 50,000 watts in its standard size and scalable for larger outputs. Technical authorities, including Dr. MO Haies from the US Navy's patent office, reportedly verified the device's functionality under various conditions. The article speculates that if true, this invention could render further development of atomic power plants obsolete, calling it a 'revolutionary and epoch-making invention.' It also mentions Schauberger's 'implosion apparatus' as another potentially disruptive technology.

Smoking and Love for Your Neighbor (Tobaksrökning och kärlek till nästan)

This piece argues that true love for one's neighbor stems from self-love, which entails avoiding harm to body and soul. Smoking is identified as a significant harm, with nicotine being the strongest poison in common 'enjoyment' products. The author criticizes cigarette smoking as particularly dangerous and detrimental to health, affecting memory, willpower, and overall well-being. The article urges smokers to quit for the sake of their loved ones and society, calling a room full of smokers a 'poison chamber.' It also touches upon the unhealthy living conditions and processed foods of the era, contributing to a decline in public health.

The New Testament and Its Origin (Nya Testamentet och dess tillkomst)

This article examines the historical basis and origin of the New Testament, presenting four points of view: 1) the inspiration of every word, 2) the uncertainty of authorship and time of writing, 3) the need for supplementation through spiritualistic automatic writing, and 4) the historical underpinnings. It cites Irenaeus, a disciple of Policarpus (who was a disciple of John), as a key witness regarding the authorship of the Gospels: Matthew wrote among Hebrews in their language, Mark wrote Peter's teachings after Peter and Paul's deaths, Luke recorded Paul's teachings, and John wrote his Gospel while in Ephesus. The author argues that this tradition is historically sound and that attempts to invalidate it lack strong counter-evidence. The article also discusses the scholarly debate about the order of Gospel authorship, particularly the theory that Mark's Gospel is the oldest, and mentions the existence of an earlier text called 'Logia.' It notes that even critical theologians place the writing of the New Testament scriptures within decades of Jesus' ascension and mentions early manuscript evidence like the Gospel of John fragment from around 100 AD.

"Good Friends, Faithful Neighbors, etc." ("Goda vänner o. trogna grannar m. m. sådant”)

This piece, originating from 'Laegmandsbladet' and written by a Danish country priest, contrasts the sense of community in rural areas with the isolation experienced in large cities. The author recounts a friend's experience in Copenhagen, where neighbors were strangers to each other. In contrast, rural life fosters a strong sense of togetherness, where neighbors readily help each other in times of joy and sorrow. The article provides an anecdote about a young mother who died suddenly, and how the community rallied around her grieving husband and children, offering support without being asked. The priest emphasizes the 'proud word' 'farmers' and their deep sense of participation and help. The article concludes with a poignant story of a retired priest who, after moving to the city, was so overcome with longing for his rural community that he died shortly after a nostalgic visit.

Vaccination: Compulsory or Not? (VACCINATIONEN Tvång eller ej?)

This article questions the mandatory nature of vaccinations, particularly smallpox vaccination, in light of new legislation. It outlines a process for opting out of polio vaccination by declaring one's conviction to a doctor and the health board, but notes that failure to do so before a child turns four subjects them to mandatory vaccination. The author expresses concern about the potential for arbitrary decisions by health boards and draws parallels to authoritarian regimes. The article warns against the dangers of smallpox vaccination, citing an example of a man who became severely ill after vaccination, delaying his trip to America.

Overlap Between Hand Lines and Cosmograms (Överensstämmelsen mellan handens linjer och kosmogrammen)

This article explores the connection between palmistry and astrology, presenting two case studies. The first is a woman with a strong, 'spackle-type' hand, indicating expansiveness and a strong ego, but also a deep longing for self-giving and a dream world. Her hand lines show a conflict between her drive and her imaginative, dreamy nature, suggesting a need for inner change. Her kosmogram, with the Sun and Mercury in Libra, indicates a desire for harmony and emotional expression. The second case is a man whose 'spackle-type' hand with conical fingers suggests an impulsive, active person with inner tensions. His hand lines reveal a conflict between his strong intellect and his subconscious drives, with a weak Saturn line indicating a lack of direction and self-control. His kosmogram shows strong tensions and inhibitions, with Ascendant in Leo in square to Uranus in Scorpio, suggesting a desire to impress but also instability. The author concludes that there is a striking correspondence between a person's hand and their kosmogram.

Negligence Sins (Underlåtenhetssynder)

This article argues that 'negligence sins' are more numerous and serious than 'commission sins.' It criticizes the medical establishment for its research methods and the widespread use of poisons in agriculture and gardening, which harm animals and humans. An example is given of a 14-year-old boy in Australia who died from pesticide poisoning. The article highlights the devastating impact of pesticides on bee populations, essential for pollination, and the subsequent need to import bees to save fruit crops. It also condemns the use of DDT, its environmental impact, and the denial of its harmful effects by industry and media. The author believes that humanity's actions, including the use of poisons and the development of atomic weapons, are leading to its downfall unless a radical change towards truth and nature occurs. The article references a book titled 'Djävuldansen' ('The Devil's Dance') by Günther Schwab.

Parapsychology (Parapsykologi)

This section reviews Birger Qvarnström's book 'Parapsykologi,' which explores parapsychological phenomena like psychometry and precognition. The author notes that while early scientific approaches were skeptical, modern research acknowledges these phenomena. The book is described as providing an overview of parapsychological research over the past century. Another article within this section discusses the historical practice of phrenology, the study of the relationship between skull shape and character, and contrasts it with modern neuroscience's understanding of brain function. It argues that phrenology's emphasis on localization of functions in the brain has some validity, even if its methods were flawed. The section also includes a brief discussion on graphology, interpreting handwriting, and its relation to personality traits.

Health Products and Herbal Remedies

• The magazine features advertisements and descriptions of various health products and herbal remedies. These include:
• Dragéer (Lozenges): Löwenzahn (dandelion) for liver and pancreas function, Haqvimmist for heart health, Lecithin for the nervous system, Valerian for calming nerves, Slankhets for rejuvenation, Mistel for heart issues, and Vetegrodd (wheat germ) as a source of Vitamin E, promoted for heart conditions and anti-aging.
• Oils: Majsgroddolja (corn germ oil) for cooking and health, Saatvital solrosfröolja (sunflower seed oil) for energy and digestion, Nat. linolja (natural linseed oil), and Vetegroddolja (wheat germ oil) for its Vitamin E content, used for various ailments including heart disease and impotence.
• Other Products: Bulgurt (yogurt tablets) claimed to destroy viruses and bacteria in the blood, Yoghurt Express, Pollen products (tablets, salve), Cernident (bone meal tablets with pollen and Vitamin A) for children and pregnant women, Yerba-Mate tea, and Revigör (a tonic and lozenges) for general weakness and various age-related issues.

New Books (Nya Böcker)

• This section reviews several new books:
• 'DEN NYA SYNTESEN' (The New Synthesis) by Sten Granlund, which proposes a general synthesis aiming to solve problems that have previously been unsolvable.
• 'PARAPSYKOLOGI' (Parapsychology) by Birger Qvarnström, a comprehensive overview of parapsychological research.
• 'ORSAK OCH VEKAN' (Cause and Effect) by Hjalmar Löfgren, a book on natural healing methods, including homeopathy.
• 'BUSHIDO' by an unnamed author, described as a guide for self-improvement, interpersonal skills, and health, based on Japanese principles.
• 'EUROPAS FRAMTID ENLIGT NOSTRADAMUS' (Europe's Future According to Nostradamus) by G. Gustavsson, interpreting Nostradamus' prophecies.
• 'LÄROBOK I ÖGONDIAGNOSTIK' (Textbook of Eye Diagnostics) by E. B. Noréus, a homeopath's guide with iris images.
• 'PENDLAR' (Pendulums) by Viktor Vallberg, a practical guide to using pendulums.
• 'DEN ETERISKA STRÅLNINGEN - Livets Urgrund och dess Värld' (The Etheric Radiation - Life's Primordial Ground and its World) by Viktor Vallberg, exploring the concept of etheric radiation.
• 'MIN ATOMLAERE' (My Atom Teacher) by Emil Rasmussen, discussing early cancer diagnosis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes natural health, herbal remedies, and alternative scientific theories, often questioning conventional medicine and established scientific paradigms. There is a strong emphasis on holistic well-being, spiritual growth, and a return to nature. The editorial stance appears to be critical of modern industrial society, its reliance on chemicals and artificial processes, and its perceived negative impact on health and the environment. The publication encourages readers to seek natural solutions and to question established norms, advocating for a more natural and spiritual way of life. The recurring theme is the search for deeper truths beyond conventional understanding, whether in health, science, or spirituality.