Reading 1703-1

TEXT OF READING 1703-1 F 51

Text

Date: 10/8/1938 Sex: F Age: 51 ReadingID: 7848

This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 8th day of October, 1938, in accordance with request made by the self - [1703], new Associate Member of the Ass”n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mrs. [1100], via 8/38 Health Culture article by Dr. Thomas L. Garrett.

[Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.]

Time of Reading 11:00 to 11:40 A. M. Eastern Standard Time. …, Michigan.

1. GC: You will go over this body carefully, examine it thoroughly, and tell me the conditions you find at the present time; giving the cause of the existing conditions, also suggestions for help and relief of this body. You will answer the questions she has submitted regarding her condition, as I ask them:

2. EC: Yes, we have the body here, [1703].

3. Now as we find, disturbing conditions are apparent that prevent the better physical functioning of the body.

4. The insistent and persistent activities, in the attempts to use influences and forces through diets and other applications, have been efficient in STAYING the disturbance; yet have not reached the sources nor done other than allay or prevent the inroads of the disturbing effects.

5. Hence we find in the present rather a complication of disorders; though with the removal of much of that which CAUSES the disturbance, and the replenishing or building up of the system through the new or regenerated forces of the body-abilities, we should bring a much nearer normal force - and thus give the body many useful years of service and activity.

6. These then are disturbances and conditions as we find them with this body, [1703] we are speaking of:

7. In times back there have been those rather insidious effects of a catarrhal condition; in throat, in head, through the soft tissues and ESPECIALLY through the digestive system.

8. This has gradually affected the functioning of organs and, with those periods now when so many changes have been set in the consciousness of the vital forces, the vital forces have become rather in that state or age of deterioration - as to produce a constitutional condition as well as disturbance in the organic functioning of the body.

9. Naturally this has kept the body-forces and blood supply IMPOVERISHED; and thus the depletion of the activities.

10. Hence those inclinations for the body to be thin, or to appear emaciated; though the strength and the muscular forces that have used so much energies of the body have done so at times to the detriment of the activities of the circulatory forces as related to the soft tissue and even the lungs and digestive system.

11. These affecting now the assimilating system, and the liver, pancreas and spleen functioning, we find rather the EXTREME reactions through the lower hepatic circulation; in its attempt to eliminate the excess of acidity that is a general part of the effect of the poisons and accumulations by the very nature of the effect OF the disturbing factors (catarrhal inflammation) on the kidneys - or the areas about same.

12. And we have, now, more or less - at times more extremes than others - of a disturbance through the muscular forces as well as in the areas of the kidneys themselves; or conditions like lumbago or pressures to the muscular forces in those areas.

13. We do not find these necessarily of the wasting nature, - that is, tubercle in nature; though the conditions of catarrh form a great deal of reaction to the mucous membranes and the activity of organs, that keeps them under a stress and strain in their activity - producing the excess of the poisons to be eliminated.

14. Neither do we find the conditions of a malignant nature. Rather have they been kept distributed, as it were, through the system; sometimes forming pressures or distresses to portions of the body that were at quite a variance from the sources of the disturbance, by congestion upon some portion of the impulse or nervous system in the superficial activity through the sympathetics - as to cause disturbances; as to the organs of the sensory system, the organs of the pelvis.

15. All of these have suffered and do suffer at times by the very nature of the conditions that cause either greater contraction - as of a muscular force bound - or because of the very nature of inflammatory forces, and the attempt through the activity of the mental self as well as what is assimilated through the system, producing plethoric conditions - which exist in the organs of the pelvis and the lower abdominal areas at present.

16. But as we find, if there are the adjustments of the disturbing conditions, and then these stimulated through alleviating the pressures along the cerebrospinal system, we may bring greater normalcy, and greater coordinating equilibrium throughout this body.

17. These then as we find would be the better character of administrations for the body in the present, to ELIMINATE the causes and the disturbances as are produced in the system at present:

18. First, we would begin with the use of a low electrical vibration as may be had with the use of the Plain Wet Cell Appliance. The very nature or character of the disturbance, as indicated, is of the natures to necessitate a high but alternating vibration of the electrical natures that are static in their reaction; such as the combinations of influences formed through the Wet Cell Appliance.

19. This type of electrical force is of the low nature, but HIGH in its vibration upon the body-forces, you see; and is of the nature that - with the type of plates used - the electrical forces should have their effect upon the very SOURCES of the disturbances through the bodily functionings.

20. In the beginning use the Wet Cell Appliance only twenty minutes each day. The attachments would be made with the copper plate to the 9th dorsal plexus, the nickel plate to the umbilicus and lacteal duct plexus - or at a point about three-fingers’ breadth (that is, lying sideways) from the navel towards the right side; just below where the gall duct area would be indicated in the body.

21. After using it twenty minutes each day for twenty-eight days, when the recharge is made, then use it for at least thirty-five to forty minutes each day.

22. And THEN at that period (not before), begin with taking at least once or twice a week the Steam or Cabinet Bath, with the THOROUGH rubdown - given by a hydrotherapist or a masseur or masseuse of the Swedish type massage, AFTER a Fume Bath WITH Pine Oils, - that is, in a Cabinet Bath of such a nature that the fumes of the Pine Oils rise over the body, see? Then these would be thoroughly rubbed off, and THEN a massage given with a combination of oils prepared in this manner:

23. To 4 ounces of Olive Oil as the base, add - IN THE ORDER NAMED:

Oil of Cedar Wood…1 ounce, Oil of Pine Needles…1/2 ounce, Oil of Peanuts (pure)…1 ounce, Oil of Sassafras Root…1/2 ounce.

These when standing will tend to separate, especially the Peanut Oil and the Sassafras Root Oil. But when used, shake together.

24. After shaking the solution well, massage same along either side of the spine - from the base of the head to the end of of the spine; then especially across the diaphragm area, - that is, from right to left side, or rather KNEAD it in as it were! Rub all the body WILL absorb!

25. Then sponge off the body and use an alcohol rub afterwards - this would also be well for the body.

26. Begin almost immediately - or as soon as practical - to take regularly, but in a consistent manner - the Codiron as a tonic, and as a stimulator for the internal activity of organs as in conjunction with the other suggested treatments, see? Take same in this manner: One day, or the first day, take one tablet after or during the morning meal, and one tablet after or during the evening meal.

27. The next day take two tablets with the morning meal, two tablets with the evening meal.

28. The next day take one tablet morning and evening.

29. Continue alternating in this manner, for there needs to be such an alternation that the full effect or abilities of the assimilating system may not be overcrowded with ANY of the properties of same - either of too much iron or too much of the cod liver oil, or the effects of the vitamine forces upon the glandular system.

30. Of course, continue with the low electrical forces of the Wet Cell Appliance, after the rubs and hydrotherapy treatments are begun.

31. As a wash for the mouth, use an alternation of an acid antiseptic and an alkaline antiseptic - as a gargle and as a mouth wash. Lavoris would be as the alkaline antiseptic, while Listerine would be the acid antiseptic. As these are used as a gargle, it would not be amiss for a little to be swallowed - or the Lavoris especially, one or two drops swallowed would become an intestinal antiseptic.

32. Then as to diet - these precautions as we find are MOST necessary!

33. Some of the diets that have been taken, while beneficial in SOME respects have been rather hard upon the system in other respects. Thus while the diet would be rather of a SPECIFIC nature, it will necessarily - as conditions develop - be regulated according to the EFFECTS of the various properties upon the system itself. These then would be given as an outline; not the only diet, but as a general outline:

34. Mornings - citrus fruit juices, in their combinations, OR cereals. When cooked cereal is used, preferably use only the whole wheat. This may be merely rolled, crushed or ground - but the WHOLE of the grain is to be taken; because of the influence and vitamines, as well as the iron, as well as the very nature of the life of the wheat itself that are needed. Crushed or ground, then - whole; and cook for at least three hours - but do not cook same in an OPEN kettle nor in an aluminum kettle. Use either glass OR enamel ware with the top on at all times. This would be found to be MOST satisfying, most helpful for creating a proper balance. Do not eat overmuch of such in the beginning, until it becomes WELL-balanced in the system. Use same with a little sugar or honey to sweeten, and half milk and half cream. The milk should be preferably that which has been properly prepared for keeping. Citrus fruit juice and cereal should never be taken at the same meal, or on the same day. Use one one morning, the other the next, or in that ratio. A little crisp bacon with whole wheat toast or fruit after these may be taken, if so desired.

35. Noons - raw vegetables; not altogether the raw vegetables but the combination of these with either a broth of vegetables or of meats - provided not too much of the grease is in same.

36. Evenings - leafy vegetables of ALL natures. Not so much of those that grow UNDER the ground, as all of those rather of pod or leafy nature that grow ABOVE the ground. Meats should be preferably fish, fowl or lamb. Not too much of shell fish, but those that are broiled or boiled - not fried fish. As to beef - only the juices of same should be taken, ever; that may be a part of the broth at the noon meal. Rather use lamb or fowl, broiled, roasted or the like - but NOT fried!

37. Any of the drinks where carbonated waters are used are very well, especially Coca Cola or those of that nature - just so there is NOT used any preservative in the preparation of same. Hence some of the orange drinks and some of grapefruit drinks are NOT well for the body. Tea or coffee may be taken in moderation. Milk may be taken according to the “feel” of the body and its agreement under different circumstances with the body.

38. Some days, for at least three or four days, eat only GRAPES - morning, noon and night - GRAPES! Not with the seed, to be sure, but preferably those of the purple variety; not the larger but those that are good and NOT those that have been shipped or kept too long.

39. Do these, and as we find - by the time there has been the third or fourth recharge of the Appliance - we will see a change as never before, in the feelings and the ability of activities of the body.

40. In the exercises - naturally as these have been a part of the body’s activities for retaining its present strength or vitality, they should be kept; not too strenuous but in moderation, ESPECIALLY the activities of walking, of muscular forces, of dancing or of such natures in which both arms and lower limbs are used.

41. Ready for questions.

42. (Q) Should I have bloodless surgery for removing adhesions and lifting organs? (A) As we find, if those administrations suggested here are followed, they should make for such a lifting, such and elimination of the disturbance through the adhesive natures in the abdominal areas, as not to necessitate any such measures.

43. (Q) What is making my eyes bad, and what can be done to remove the cause and the local bad condition? (A) The effect of the poisons and pressures upon the system. All of these things have been taken into consideration through the administrations outlined.

Do these.

44. (Q) Are any of the electrical health articles I now have especially good or bad for me? (A) We would leave off all of those, and take the NATURE of the electrical forces as we have just indicated.

Then WHEN the rubs and the better eliminations are established by same, and by the use of the tonic forces as indicated, these disturbances will disappear.

45. We are through for the present.

Copy to Self ” ” Ass’n file

(See directions [which were enclosed] for preparing Pure Beef Juice.

See separate sheet of directions [which was enclosed] for Hydrotherapist, in giving Fume Baths and rubs.

See separate directions [which were enclosed] to Druggist for preparing Oil Rub.

See sheet of directions [which was enclosed] for preparing Wet Cell Appliance, and article explaining the theory of same - and where obtained.

Codiron is manufactured by The Lawrence Laboratories, Chicago, Ill. It sells for $1 a bottle of 60 tablets.

At your convenience, we would appreciate your sending us a history of your case to the time of obtaining the Reading. is valuable for our records.)

Reports

Reports & Follow-up

R1. 10/11/38 Miss [1703]‘s letter to EC:

…, Michigan

Mr. Edgar Cayce Virginia Beach, Virginia

My dear Mr. Cayce:

The manuscript for the Reading and data for carrying out same came today. I am at once ordering the Wet Cell Appliance and the Codiron Tablets. With the order for the Appliance, I am asking for more definite information as to where to place the copper plate. Dorsal means back, so I wonder if I lie on that plate. I’ll have to learn, also, where that 9th dorsal plexus is.

This coming week-end, I shall write my case history, as requested. My eyes are getting bad-daily, worse - and school work this week is pressing, so I cannot write it now.

As the diet part of the Reading is suggestive rather than dogmatic, I shall continue to do without fish, fowl, or flesh, as I have done so very well the past fifteen months without any whatsoever. It seems unnecessary to add uric acid when I already have so much poison, or the flesh of living things that spoils so badly in my slowly-moving digestive organs.

As Coca Cola and Coffee are drugs, it seems strange that the soul of me would advise them. I did without coffee for months, but when a doctor told me to leave out starches lately, I felt the need of the lift from coffee; my conscience has bothered me about using caffeine again; if the conscience is the voice of the soul, as I’ve been taught, it seems strange that the soul would give me such advice through a Reading. Other than the use of meats and caffeine, I feel the Reading is FINE - I responded that way as I read it first, though it seems too bad to discard [the] electrical apparatus I have, about $270.00 worth. However, as I am getting worse, I am glad to “kick it out” and try anything for a few months. I made gallons of the beef tea as directed for my mother in the last months she lived - it brings up bad recollections; so, with my attitude toward meat, above, and this in particular, I’ll probably not use it, until, at least another Reading gives me reasons I should that are satisfactory; surely substitutes can be found in the vegetable kingdom. I find I have improved in having less mucous in my head (nose) with no milk at all. I do not understand what the Reading means by “The milk should be preferably that which as been properly prepared for keeping”, for there is much objection to pasteurized milk - chemically unbalanced, indigestible, etc. One doctor even said if an adult just had to have milk he should get a wet nurse, and use it as nature gives it. So, one wonders!

Very sincerely yours, [1703]

R2. 10/25/38 Miss [1703]‘s letter to EC:

…, Michigan

Mr. Edgar Cayce Virginia Beach, Virginia

My dear Mr. Cayce:

Enclosed is my physical history; I trust it is not too long. I have typed it the third time, trying to get it to suit me, a fact that show how I have slipped mentally, as I used to write quite easily; no doubt it is yet much longer than you want.

Yesterday I had my first treatment with the Wet Cell Appliance. Mr. and Mrs. […] [Mr. [470] and Mrs. [1100] are referred to several times in her letter. GD] came Sunday afternoon (grand people, they are!), and got the liquid mixed. Wondering how I was going to manage by myself, I invented the jacket with button holes for the anodes. We had a good laugh when I showed the pattern of a tight-fitting bed jacket; the material is very heavy cotton flannel. I believe it is going to be just the thing. I shall take it to the doctor to see that the right spots are covered with the copper and nickel plates. It “happens,” if things do just happen, that one of my osteopathic doctors is also Mrs. [1100]‘s - a fine young man, very much open-minded, and interested in the Readings.

Sunday I finished a four-day diet of nothing but New York purple grapes. I have enough to have three day again this next week-end. I felt just grand this week, and was not LIMP at all, though I had a cup of coffee a few times to give me a lift afternoons. Mrs. [1100] gave me your reply about Coca Cola clearing the kidneys. I think I had a glass once, to taste it, just as I ate clams and lobster once, with much dislike. Seems strange the Reading would warn me about shell fish that I never, never ate! A friend said you may have contacted a subconscious strain in which a fling for the flesh pots was evident, and that, maybe, I have inhibitions, now! She knows how I dislike shell fish and most other fish; raised in Iowa, I did not cultivate a taste for fish, you see.

I am enclosing for your files some literature about the blanket, the Magnecoil. It has been on the market twenty-one years, and is used in sanitariums and by doctors and in homes - wonder if any one has been directed to use it in a Reading by you. It seemed to give me a lot of pep, and relieved the plain in my back, and made up for sleep I did not get taking health courses last spring.

From the frequent mention made in my physical history of bad constipation, it seems strange the Reading did not mention it or direct me what to do. I use only herbal laxatives, and not much at a time. I did not find that the grape diet helped, as I had to continue on laxatives and an enema at night. However, I used lots of fruit all fall and perhaps there is not much left, in matter of long standing, in the colon for grapes to drive out, like a purge. No doubt these letters are kept on file, hence I mention this. The odor from cancer could not be much worse than that from stools this fall, after the deep massaging in August, with little elimination.

As to the use of carbonated water mentioned in the Reading, as I have, rather, been using distilled water, Mr. [490] suggested it may be to raise gas; but, the gas I have is not in the stomach, but in the colon, or, at least, too far down to raise. The warning against artificial fruit drinks is as unnecessary as the warning against shell fish, for I never drink them; perhaps I have had a glass with friends once or twice, or some flavoring in an ice cream soda; but I take even these very seldom. I mention this, not to be critical of the Reading, but simply as a matter of record for your files, and as a case study. In fact, a comparison of my physical history with the Reading shows it is highly accurate! When I have a check Reading, I shall want to learn how I got this catarrhal condition in times past, as stated at the last of page one of my Reading [1703-1, Par. 7]. Also, I want to know the meaning of this, in the last of page two [Par. 15]: “…through the activity of the mental self…” If I can know what activity of the mental self is harmful, it will help me to overcome it, I believe. Perhaps some of the extremely hard situations I have been in the last six years is referred to.

I began taking the Codiron as directed October 16; and the mouth washes October 11, the Lavoris mornings, the Listerine at night. I am taking only raw salads at noon; it is difficult to get the soup, unless I come home at noon and make a vegetable broth from one of the several brands of dehydrated vegetables, mixed with boiling water. Believe me, I get plenty of undesirable attention and remarks about my “diets” and “thinness” at school, from most every one. I tell them my “doctor” is prescribing for me and just watch results! I still have more pep than the most of them, and never have any inclination to lie in the rest room during school, as do very many of our 110 teachers. But, I guess I live mostly on my nerve force, for when I let go to read the newspaper I sleep! I no longer have spells of exhaustion afternoons, teaching, since I left off meat and since the elimination-alkalinizing diets of the past two years. I verily believe, with the Reading and with Dr. Kolar, that I starved off an early death, like my mother’s, by measures mentioned for the last two years.

Thank you many, many times for your help, and I surely do appreciate the attention and kindness of Mr. [490] and Mrs. [1100].

Very sincerely yours, [1703]

A BRIEF PHYSICAL HISTORY OF [1703]

From the first evidence of trouble to the Reading on October 8, 1938, by Mr. Edgar Cayce, each being home

By Miss [1703]

Earliest recollection, taking Rocky Mountain Tea, a Laxative Tea. Need for same probably too much pasty food: pancakes, warm white bread, baked beans, and mashed potatoes; also, canned fruits with white sugar; little fresh vegetables during winters, especially raw ones - I was Iowa-corn-fed!

Glasses at sixteen for nearsightedness. Had some of the children’s diseases, and sore throat every Christmas vacation. Had scarlet fever at ten years of age. However, attendance at school was excellent, missing only ten days in twelve years - not absent or tardy the last seven, which shows endurance, if not rugged health. Heart test show a leakage.

College years were equally good days. The last year was told to be very careful not to become constipated or my eyes would get worse. (I was always constipated, and still am today.) Had some days feeling badly this last college year, but could not locate or isolate the disturbance - said I had everything from dandruff to corns, which was more true than funny, maybe, as an over-acid condition makes these symptoms and causes worse things to take place in the internal organs, so I am informed. One bad spell was in the right foot, which was taped for two weeks for so-called rheumatism; there was no medicine or diet prescribed then. This rheumatism was, also, during a Christmas vacation, so I did not miss any school all through college.

While teaching a year in northern Iowa, I lost my voice at two different times, for quite a number of days; this was due to marshy territory, so I was told. However, my food was not right, as I know now it would make a very acid condition. I have lost my voice only once since that time and have had few colds or sore throat spells. The effects seems to have turned inward. Also, I had my tonsils out in 1923, after knowing they were bad for a year, but being at home, supporting myself and father, aged, I did not want to annoy him by an operation, nor have the expense till after his death; I had to be treated for my blood for three months, then, before the doctor would remove the tonsils, and I was weeks recovering the use of my throat, and was left anemic.

After my father’s death (my mother, though over twenty years younger, passed on eight years before he did), I was employed by a hospital association in St. Paul, Minnesota, as office secretary. The work proved so difficult, I had a thorough examination and was put to bed for anemia and sagged abdominal organs, which were down four inches. Blocks were put under the foot of the bed for this. After nearly eight weeks in the hospital, in which time I improved little, if any, physically, and mentally got worse with such an inactive life, I walked out, with the promise to loaf a number of weeks before reporting back to work, and also to wear a supporting corset that had to be put on with a large thick pad while I lay down with my hips elevated and laced as tightly as possible, so not a muscle or organ could slip down when I stood up. I wore this for months, till I needed a fresh corset, when I decided it was silly to paralyze the organs this way. The office was closed in the spring of 1925 and in the fall I came to … to teach.

When I came to …, I was very much run down; could walk but a very few blocks without exhaustion. A pupil came to help me correct papers and spoke of the healing her father gave. I decided to see him and found that he said he could “see” the lower limbs were very bad, with nerves twisted and full of sore spots. He claims that an Indian “Guide” shows him where to treat. He probably had magnetic healing power; I went to him twice a week for many weeks and improved very, very much; he treated more than an hour often and would charge only fifty cents, for, otherwise he said he would lose his power. At the same time, I took health courses and lived alone and improved remarkably on right foods.

But, being a teacher, socially inclined, when I got to feeling so much better, I gradually went the way of the herd. I had two trips abroad and suffered from sea sickness very, very much and was ill after returning home; had lumbago badly at one time. For many years, my back had bothered me, so I found myself doing less and less, to favor it. I had become so much disgusted with medical doctors in St. Paul, I have never been to any since, but have had treatments at various times for severe foot trouble and pains in back and shoulder from osteopathic and chiropractic doctors. This past year, my feet have been the best for years; I am wearing Ground-gripper and Cantilever shoes and walk lots with little fatigue or pains in my feet.

The past three years, I have felt myself slipping fast. My color was terrible, till I left off meat fifteen months ago and ate very much less sugar and starchy foods and more raw and/or little cooked vegetables and fruits. This had been during the menopause, but this phase of my physical history is as nearly normal as any virgin woman probably has these days. I have often said, “It seems as if my battery has run down.” A year ago last spring, in 1937, I took a health course and decided to right-about-face in my diet. I took eliminative baths, eliminative diets, and about eliminated myself. One friend said she would not give ten cents for me then, I was so weak and thin. That summer I went to MacFadden’s Physical Culture Hotel for five weeks. The first two, I had nothing but three pints of fruit juices a day and went down to 96 pounds. The come-back diet was milk and little fruit, with vegetables, raw and cooked, but not much starch, as the examination showed a diabetic condition, the first week; cleared up in that time. I decided, after two weeks on fruit, to give up meat if the kidneys were at all bad, as it seemed they must be; the health lecturers all seem to agree that meat is a load on the kidneys. After returning home, I continued having osteopathic treatments and massage, such as I had had at Macfadden’s. It took me a long time to get any weight.

Though no doctor said I had arthritis, it seemed I had the symptoms, so, in the spring of 1938 I got the Magnecoil, a magnetic blanket, with the extra pieces for my back. This stimulates circulation. I took two fifteen-minutes treatments in it night and morning from March through June, 1938. I felt lots better, but was more constipated. Folks said I looked fine, and my back surely was much less stiff and painful. Doctors say I have a bad curvature, and I figured out that probably the rheumatism was pulling the joints out of place, so the Magnecoil would take out the toxin with the increased heat applied and the improved circulation. This is probably what happened and the toxins and waste got into the colon, which, being sluggish, let them be absorbed back into the blood stream. In July I took an elimination diet to clean out the colon, if possibly, and get more waste from the tissues. This was no doubt accomplished, but one day I became aware that there were spots before my eyes - the poison had evidently gotten there, in a stagnant place - and there it is yet today, getting worse daily, and making me highly nervous!

During the summer of 1938, I visited the Dr. Kolar in Wichita, Kansas, noted painless-bloodless surgeon, for an examination; he reported the organs of the abdomen sagged very much and tied down with adhesions, with a tendency for cancer, which only my careful diet had stalled; the colon, he said, was tied with adhesions, and gas pockets were back of the tiny openings left; the glandular system was almost ceasing to function. To cure me he wanted me in bed after his operation for four weeks, at $510, neither of which requirements I could meet. In the first place, he did not give me enough assurance that the organs would stay up when I got up - his secretary said, later, I should have six months to recover, at least; also, he wanted me to eat meat and as I had improved so much in complexion without meat, I decided he would have to wait for me as a patient ‘til I had built up more assimilative power, to KNOW the muscles would recover elasticity and the stretched-out ligaments would sluff off the waste and snap back into place, to hold the sagged organs up. He said two ligaments were already calcified, so would never be normal again in those parts.

From Wichita, I drove to Butler, New Jersey, thinking to get compresses on my eyes at the Dr. Lust [Benedict Lust, N.D.] sanitorium, in the two weeks I had left of summer vacation. I had NO compresses, but daily sunbathes in the nude, as at MacFadden’s and daily naprapathic treatments after various kinds of tub and cabinet and sitz baths. The deep massage of abdomen stirred up more waste and no attention was given to bowel elimination, other than my own methods. I had a cabin with no bath; result, I arrived home with hemorrhoids! The examination by the doctor there, by Iriology, indicated a bad left kidney; this kind of examination showed no trouble in my back like arthritis and no bad condition in the eyes. However, the doctor said my back is as stiff as a timber, and accepted it that I have rheumatism, and advised a no-starch diet and lots of sun.

As the Reading by Mr. Cayce says, “The insistent and persistent activities, in the attempts to use influences and forces through diets and other applications, have been efficient in STAYING the disturbance;…” I might mention that other than the above named applications, namely various baths, sun baths, Magnecoil, treatments by osteopathic, chiropractic, and naprapathic doctors, and massage, I have had at home for the past several months mineral tablets of many varieties and brands, some land and others sea vegetation, to alkalinize the system and feed the glands; two makes of electric juice machines, to extract the juices of carrots, celery, etc., and to mix powered soy products, to save all the energy possible in digestion. However, it seems I can not assimilate the food. Of course, I have eaten heartily and even leave a meal craving “something.” Over a year ago, I got an outfit for making distilled water, as it seems to be used with good results in a certain well-known sanitarium at East Aurora, N.Y. I also purchased a sun lamp last winter, as we have much dark weather here winters, and I always feel depleted then. But, with my duties in high school, I cannot find time to use all of these things daily, get discouraged, and even slumped when it seems I do not do more than break even. I lead quite an active life. At times in the past, outside affairs have been VERY distressing and perhaps they have reflected on the physical. I am restless, and fall to sleep when I relax to read; I sleep well all night.

To close this, with a look into the hopes for the future, I trust that by following the Reading I can get rid of this bad condition of floating spots and film over my eyes; that I can eat a satisfying meal with enough starch to give energy, without burning up nerve forces, without gas in the bowels; that I can go in weight from the present 103 pounds to what I was in 1927, i.e., 127 lbs.; that my body will have heat enough in it so I will not feel chilly and not be ashamed to shake hands with others or to touch my pupils; that I will not have any more aches in my back, or neck at the back; that that I will have no more spells like last winter when about deaf with mucous in the passages, cleared out by finger-tip surgery; that bowel elimination will improve about 100% so I can forget about laxatives and enemas; and that the blood will heal cuts, burns, and bruises as it should, and not take weeks, and that it will circulate so as to take out the soreness in some joints, as one in a finger of the right hand, for instance. Of course, I want my hair to stay brown and my nails to cease to break off and my muscles to be resilient and my heart not to pound going upstairs! In fact, I want, with most every one else, to grow old gracefully, and not rot out with some disease or stiffen in the spine ready for a wheel chair! IF the body is renewed every seven years, and I know of no better hobby than seeking health. I have studied spiritual healing with several teachers and believe in it heartily; but, at the same time, I believe we are of the earth and have to live, if we can find out how, in conformity with the laws on the physical plane. I have studied the pros and cons of going without meat, and believe it is better to go without it from both the physical and spiritual viewpoints. Many remarkable cases are cured without meat; for instance the noted Dr. Jackson. I believe in “Seek and ye shall find,” and that my seeking health brought me to the Reading by Mr. Cayce. May my following the instructions bring me to the place where I am again able to concentrate and memorize and go on with studies and music and writings, which have been dropped, one by one, the past twenty years, and may the results inspire others to obtain Readings and regain vim, vigor, and vitality.

R3. 11/25/38 [1703]‘s letter to EC:

Mr. Edgar Cayce Virginia Beach, Va.

My dear Mr. Cayce:

Perhaps it would be well for me to make a report, now that a month has gone by since I began following my Reading. Last Sunday, a recharge of the Wet Cell Appliance was made and on Monday I began having the pine-oil steam-fume baths, with a massage of the oil prescription given in the Reading. Today I had the second treatment in my own apartment rather than go out these cold days. I weigh 99 1/2 pounds, now, nude, and have not much resistance to the cold, especially after a treatment like this. At home, I can go to bed and relax, too.

During the month, I have kept up taking the Codiron as directed; I have not been quite so consistent with the alternate fruit and wheat cereal breakfasts. I seem to crave fruit. For four days at a time, twice in October, I had nothing but New York Concord grapes and grape juice. This diet, along with the other fruits and vegetables, with so little starch, seems to have kept me “eliminating” a lot. I have kept a diary and find that many days I have had congestion in the lung area and last week was very hoarse for a couple of days. At this time, I resort to my Magnecoil and U-Coil that comes with it, to stir up circulation, so the waste will not settle, and every time I have come out of these healing crises without a fever or having to miss school. There have been aches in various places, but on the whole I have felt very peppy and able to work. I get quite hungry, and have been eager for my raw salads at noon. I have come home for them about half the time, to get variety not at school; also my own dressing without vinegar and a cup of one of the various brands of soups from dehydrated vegetables, that come in powdered form, to be mixed with boiling water.

The most serious condition that I do not find the Reading mentions, but that almost drove me to get a Check-Reading, is the defecation from the bowels, that is so bad an odor - cancer could not be worse, I believe. I wonder how I will ever get a normal movement with the numbers of enemas and much laxatives I have had to take! I use Inner Clean, Isolax, Tim, and Peri-lator. There is lots of gas from the bowels, especially when lots of fruit is used. From health literature, this is to be expected. I think I crave the fruit for the sugar in it, for energy food. I eat no bread at all, and of course, nothing else made of flour. Also, I limit my intake of fat; this ought to give the liver a rest and a chance to slough off the catarrh; also the kidneys.

The Isolax and Peri-lator I take to keep bulk in the bowels. Upon experimenting, I find I do better, with less bloating, on a meal with no liquid. This means I shall try to get my soups and drinks between meals. I have used coffee, with a bad conscience, so today had none, and shall wean myself from it, as anything that my Self bothers me about, through my conscience, I feel is not good for me. Also, coffee is habit forming, and I do not want to be a slave to it. One noted health doctor wrote me last week that coffee interferes with renal action, also; so it would seem that, along with meat, for which the human body was not built, with its much-too- long colon and intestines, the Reading when checked may have some explanations to make. I do not like drinks that are cold (my body is much too cold all the time), so I have had no coca-cola and have not found it convenient to have carbonated water. If the latter is necessary, another Reading may tell me why. Since what I have done in the past two years has STAYED the inroads, I have to use my best judgment as to the exact things I have done to STAY them; the diet, meatless and no coffee and with natural foods, along with the Magne-coil, must be not too bad! So, in an emergency, I still use the Magnecoil, to break up congestion; and, since the stools are so very bad, meat is, of course, out. With the splendid results a friend has had on only raw foods, and the good feeling I have on my raw meal at noon, I wonder if I, too, might do well on more raw meals. I use some nuts and soy bean products for protein instead of that in meat.

The spots are still before my eyes; the soreness in the middle finger of the right hand is less severe; the veins in my hands are less prominent, showing congestion somewhere is down, and the blood can flow more freely. There is less coating on my tongue. Today I had a bad session with the dentist: had two shots so he could work on an upper molar; a piece came off it night before last. I truly hope I am assimilating enough calcium to save my teeth! I took calcium tablets last summer, but with the sore middle finger, decided the calcium was not being distributed and quit taking it and also other mineral tablets. I try to drink freshly made vegetable juices instead, for both the minerals and vitamins and for the liquid, instead of our city water.

I seem to sense no activity from the Wet Cell Appliance, but last Sunday evening I was suffering from gas and bloat more than for a very long time and the treatment with the Appliance at bed time relieved me, showing the power in it, of which I am not conscious. The tight-fitting jacket, also, proves to be putting the plates in the right spots each time.

Since the Reading prescribes wheat, I am using a tablespoon of wheat germ a day, on my fruits or salads, especially on the days I do not use the cereal of cracked wheat. I have already used it for the oil and vitamins in it. I also use Dr. Jackson’s Meal and Kofy-Sub for the iron in it - see enclosed leaflet. I mention it for, as this is a matter of record, it is well to make a note of my food intake, for with feeling as badly as I do, and still so much pep, the paradox would not otherwise be explained, perhaps.

A friend urged me to consult a Dr. Walter J. Hodson for my bowel difficulty. Dr. Hodson has compounded a “pudding” taken evenings that contains the bacillus implanted in the colon from the mother in the first few days after birth (if breast fed). The claim is that this bacillus is killed out with our wrong foods from putrefactions and fermentations, and that normality cannot be regained until this bacillus is restored. I took the “pudding,” called Chex, last spring for three weeks and had a terrific time with canker sores in my mouth. The reason, I was told, was that cankers were the form of nature’s warning and elimination before. It is true (I missed mentioning it in my history) that I had cankers lots and often and very sore, as a child and frequently as an adult. However, I felt that Chex was stirring me up too much and quit it. Now, I told my friend, I would not take anything so radical as long as I am trying to follow the Reading. However, as I recently read that the noted Dr. Kellog says the reason the Quints have all had their tonsils out is because they missed getting this bacillus from the breast right after birth, so their foods have caused auto-intoxication, especially being meat fed! Perhaps a Check Reading would not be amiss, quite soon, to see if anything is given to aid this bad and serious condition of my bowels, soon!

Enclosed is a contribution of $5.00 for the fund for a place to preserve the Readings and Records. Soon, I hope to have both the other Readings, but feel that I should like to have a Check Physical Reading first, and as soon as it seems advisable from this Report. Since the Reading stated I would feel results in three or four months, I do not want to be impatient; however, I am deeply concerned about the continuation of a seeming spoiling of my food before it is eliminated, for I believe this is absorbed and cannot help but keep me poisoned. There would seem to be a sort of cesspool at present, which something a Check Reading might clear up, with an explanation and/or prescription for something, maybe even this Chex, called this because it checks anto-toxemia. So, I am also enclosing ten dollars for a Check Reading, to be given whenever you think, after reading this, it should be given. You know, no doubt, from the experience of others, the value of such a check reading. In case I should continue as outlined, keep the ten dollars for the Check Reading in another month or two, or in case I should get alarmed, as I did with the bad lung condition last week and came nearly doing so; i.e., wiring you for a Check Reading.

Thank you again for your helpfulness and kindness and may much good continue to come from your Work.

Very sincerely yours, [1703]

Please note all I’ve said about a Check - Reading. Stools are very black, even now. I am off the black grapes, so I wonder if blood is escaping, as I’ve read that hemorrhages (internal) make black stools.

R4. 5/4/38 [1703]‘s letter to EC:

…, Michigan

Mr. Edgar Cayce Virginia Beach, Va.

My dear Mr. Cayce:

Thank you for the appointment for December 12, 4-5 P.M., E.S.T., which is satisfactory. I shall be at home then.

Enclosed are some questions, and I hope each can by answered, as I have tried, this evening, to cull those I want most to know about.

Last week I received a notice about your being in New York City and I wrote a friend, Mrs. [2305], to go to the meetings December 6 and 12, if possible. However, from your letter, and making December 12 the date for me, possibly these plans are now changed. I also wrote her about the Broadcast this afternoon, which did not come to … I am sorry to say.

Before long, I want to send you parts of a lesson that I have in a two-year course from a Coptic Priest of Egypt. What is in it about the forces for foods is an interesting check on my Reading; it came since the Reading. I, too, should very much like to meet and talk with you; I planned to visit in Washington, D. C., Christmas, and call on you; but, now, I see I need to stay home and take care of myself. Thank you for the kind remark about the help I might be to you; well, I’ll have to get a Life Reading and see if we are perhaps both formerly from Egypt. In fact, I should like to give my Self a Christmas present of such a Reading, if you can arrange for one the last week of December. I felt very strongly attached to Egypt when I was there in 1930.

Last Wednesday I had a test (physical) with an instrument called an Itisometer; the lady paid $600 for it and it proved the (yours) Reading 100% all right in my case. There is another you probably know about called the Pathoclast, which I have not yet experienced, used for making physical tests.

For the records (as I have a question on it) I might say I have had, in the past two, and the other evening a third, experience as if I left the body. I should like to know if these are heart attacks or psychic experiences. My heart, last summer on a new graph machine, checked rather well; that is, nothing to be alarmed about at all.

Thank you again and again for your service and good letters.

Cordially yours, [1703]

R5. 12/12/38 See 1703-2.

Background

Background

B1. 10/2/38 Questions [See 1-2-3 [Par. 42-A—44-A] included in 1703-1]:

4. Correct diet - are cooked or raw foods best?
5. What, if any, bad physical ailment is the result of bad karma? Can it be cured in this life time?
6. Does my occupation, position, or geographical location affect my health, and, if so, what should I do about it?
7. Please advise whose system of exercises, if any, I should practice; also swimming and/or acrobatic dancing attempted attempted for my very stiff back.
8. Can I expect to gain satisfactory weight, so people won’t talk of my thinness? And/or strong muscles?
9. Why do I seem to be breathing so little upon awakening?
10. Is there any dead material, T.B., tumor, or cancer, that excretions are such a bad odor?
11. Why is the middle finger on the right hand sore all the time?
12. Why is my body so cold so much?
13. Are any of the brands of mineral tablets from sea vegetation good for me? Are they not better than fish?
14. What can I use other than the drug in coffee to give me a lift, so I can keep on the job with vim, vigor, and vitality, till the treatment in the Reading takes me far enough on the road to health?

Mentioned Entities

Massage Therapy, Wet Cell, Healing, Soul, Virginia Beach, Hydrotherapy, Osteopathy, Egypt, Glands (Esoteric), New York City, Vibration, Alkaline Diet, Chiropractic, Paul (Apostle), Sassafras, Acid-Alkaline Balance, Baking Soda, Beef Juice, Book of Job, Chicago

Source: The Complete Edgar Cayce Readings, A.R.E. CD-ROM (2006). Reading 1703-1, ReadingID 7848.