Changes

7 bytes added ,  06:37, 17 December 2014
m
Line 15: Line 15:  
==Wilhelm Reich's Research on Orgones and Life Energy==
 
==Wilhelm Reich's Research on Orgones and Life Energy==
 
[[image:WReich.jpg|left|thumb]]
 
[[image:WReich.jpg|left|thumb]]
As a student of Sigmund Freud, Reich tried to describe the libido and the driving energy of mental functioning according to Sigmund Freud as a quantitatively measurable physical energy which he called orgone. He conducted a series of experiments which made him come to the conclusion that his theory of a specific life energy was proven valid. According to Reich, life energy research was opposed by a campaign led by communists, fascists, and capitalists. He saw a full blown delusional conspiracy against himself in this context. He even accused Albert Einstein of participating in this conspiracy. Analysis of the experimental design and the use of modern measurement techniques, however, showed that all phenomena occuring may be explained by classical physical effects. An indication of a specific life energy could not be found. The investigation of Reich's original equipment in the Wilhelm Reich Museum in Rangeley, USA, revealed serious deficiencies in the measurement technique used and suggested that Reich did not achieve an adequate knowledge of basic concepts and methodology of experimental physics, and of measuring technique in particular, to interpret the effects observed by him in an appropriate manner. Measurement errors and experimentor effects on the part of Reich were revealed in several instances. However, this does not prevent supporters of his "life energy concept" to continue believing in its existence.
+
As a student of Sigmund Freud, Reich tried to describe the libido and the driving energy of mental functioning according to Sigmund Freud as a quantitatively measurable physical energy which he called orgone. He conducted a series of experiments which made him come to the conclusion that his theory of a specific life energy was proven valid. According to Reich, life energy research was opposed by a campaign led by communists, fascists, and capitalists. He saw a full blown delusional conspiracy against him in this context. He even accused Albert Einstein of participating in this conspiracy. Analysis of the experimental design and the use of modern measurement techniques, however, showed that all phenomena occuring may be explained by classical physical effects. An indication of a specific life energy could not be found. The investigation of Reich's original equipment in the Wilhelm Reich Museum in Rangeley, USA, revealed serious deficiencies in the measurement technique used and suggested that Reich did not achieve an adequate knowledge of basic concepts and methodology of experimental physics, and of measuring technique in particular, to interprete the effects observed by him in an appropriate manner. Measurement errors and experimentor effects on the part of Reich were revealed in several instances. However, this does not prevent supporters of his "life energy concept" to continue believing in its existence.
    
==Vegetotherapy==
 
==Vegetotherapy==
Line 21: Line 21:     
==Reich and his fight against UFOs==
 
==Reich and his fight against UFOs==
By his own account ,Reich led a „cosmic war“ in the U.S. during the 1950ies, against alien [[flying saucer]]s which came into fashion early in this decade. Reich called them "EAs" ("energy absorbers"). He believed that "EAs" deprived the planet earth of its life energy, the Orgone, which they needed for their engines. As soon as Reich sighted an "EA", he tried to deprive it of the orgone energy with the cloud-breaker. Reich established an organization called "Cosmic Orgone Engineering" for his cosmic war, consisting of his son Peter and his son-in-law Bill Moise.c He reported his observations in numerous letters to President Eisenhower and the U.S. Air Force, and asked for support for his cosmic war. Finally, he put the blame on communists and gangsters in the United States government for not taking serious his alerts against the alien invaders.
+
By his own account, Reich led a „cosmic war“ in the U.S. during the 1950ies, against alien [[flying saucer]]s which came into fashion early in this decade. Reich called them "EAs" ("energy absorbers"). He believed that "EAs" deprived the planet Earth of its life energy, the Orgone, which the aliens needed for their engines. As soon as Reich sighted an "EA", he tried to deprive it of the orgone energy by using the cloud-breaker. Reich established an organization called "Cosmic Orgone Engineering" for his cosmic war, consisting of his son Peter and his son-in-law Bill Moise. In numerous letters, he reported his observations to President Eisenhower and the U.S. Air Force, and asked for support for his cosmic war. Finally, he put the blame on communists and gangsters in the United States government for not taking serious his alerts against the alien invaders.
    
==Reich the Rainmaker==
 
==Reich the Rainmaker==
editor, reviewer
547

edits