Light energy : its physics, physiological action and therapeutic applications / by Margaret A. Cleaves.

  • Cleaves, Margaret Abigail, 1848-1917.
Date:
1904
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Light energy : its physics, physiological action and therapeutic applications / by Margaret A. Cleaves. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

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    high-frequency vibrations of intense chemically active light is indicated. The author will feel that her labor is not in vain if the indications at least for the use of light energy are clearly set forth. No apology is offered for considering at length the fun- damental physics of light energy, especially in so far as the physical laws governing light bear upon its therapeutic application. To those more or less familiar with the sub- ject, it may open up a line of study fascinating in the ex- treme. The electric arc has been treated of in considerable detail, as upon it the physician's main dependence must be placed for a source of artificial light rich in chemically active energy. The effort has been to elucidate those points only in its physics which her own personal experience in its use had indicated as essential. The author's own methods of utilizing light energies with results have been given, and also the experiences of others as well. Every opinion formulated by others has been carefully analyzed, and the conclusions drawn there- from submitted to vigorous criticism, especially from the physical side, before giving them place in these pages. Especially has care been taken to exclude any evidence not based upon sound fundamental physical laws. It matters not what form of energy is expended within the tissues, if the fundamental physical laws of that energy are known, and its physiological action, the therapeutic application be- comes a very simple matter, involving no other principles save those fundamental to the physician. Upon physical laws and properties, physiological action and pathological conditions, the exhibition of light energy is at once rational and comprehensive. Light as a therapeutic measure, as well as a factor in hygiene and sanitation, is not only of importance to-day, but always will be. In view of the fact that the continued existence of the human species on earth depends entirely on radiant energy, no apology is necessary for presenting a volume devoted