• On technological vitalism of XIX-XX centuries

    Author(s):
    Serge Kernbach (see profile)
    Date:
    2014
    Item Type:
    Article
    Tag(s):
    technological vitalism, Mesmer, Reichenbach, radionics, theory of biological resonances
    Permanent URL:
    https://doi.org/10.17613/6x06-sq51
    Abstract:
    This paper provides a brief overview of 19th-20th century works related to technological vitalism. Due to historical reasons, the early vitalism of 17th-18th centuries within the post-monotheistic framework developed mainly towards the synthesis of technical and vitalistic theories. However, the focus of consideration remained on operator (extrasensory) phenomena, early medicine and biology, as in works of Paracelsus, Harvey, van Helmont and other authors of previous eras. The rethinking of Mesmer's and Reichenbach's 'fluids' to Abrams and Gurvich's 'fields' is shown, reflecting the social and technological evolution of society, in particular the emergence of electromagnetic theory and radio. This review examines the technical side of these works on examples of radionics and the theory of biological resonances, from the viewpoint of device design and methods of interactions. The problem of so-called 'non-electromagnetic frequencies and resonances' and a confrontation between technological vitalism and scientific positivism are analyzed.
    Metadata:
    xml
    Published as:
    Journal article     Show details
    Pub. Date:
    19.04.2014
    Journal:
    International Journal of Unconventional Science (IJUS)
    Volume:
    4
    Issue:
    2
    Page Range:
    62 - 87
    ISSN:
    2309-114
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    1 year ago
    License:
    Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

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