Researches On Magnetism, Electricity, Heat, Light, Crystallization, And Chemical Attraction, In Their Relation To The Vital Force; With Three Plates and Twenty-Three Wood-Cuts
Secaucus, NJ: University Books, 1974. First Edition Thus. Hardcover, large octavo. xlvi + 470 pp. Yellow cloth with black title, etc. to spine, illustrations. Baron Dr. Carl (Karl) Ludwig Freiherr von Reichenbach (1788-1869) was an eminent Prussian scientist, industrialist, and philosopher, who in his latter years devoted himself to researching a form of vital energy that he felt radiated from all living things, and which he termed 'Odic Force.' He believed that this manifested in a way not dis-similar to more recent notions of the aura, and that given the right conditions (total darkness) it could be observed by suitably trained sensitives. His theories were quite respected at the time: with some declaring that they explained the forces described in the teachings of Swedenborg and Mesmer. There is also little doubt that they directly or indirectly influenced many later proponents of the existance of vital energy fields such as Wilhelm Reich. However conventional researchers were unable to replicate von Reichenbach's experiments, and dismissed his theories as 'crank science.' This edition has a new foreword by Leslie Shepard . Cloth a little discolored, owner's stamp on front free endpaper, occasional highlighting and some "ticks" in page margins. The highlighting etc. downgrades it to a Good only copy, but everything else about it is tight and clean. In VG dust jacket (a few small chips and tears around the edges). Item #62354
ISBN: 0821602160
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