GIFT F ffmjtlism in |fahlir The Salvaging of the Appendix AXEL EMIL/ GIBSON Testimonial: Santa Rosa, Cat. August 28th, 1922. Dear Doctor Gibson.- I wish to thank you most heartily for your kindness in sending me your wonderful treatise on appendicitis. You have in this work not only cleared up some very important points, 'but you have gone to the founda- tion-facts of the whole matter as no one else has ever done before, as far as I know. In fact, I hardly think that any one else could have made the matter so plain as you have done. I icish to thank you heartily. Faithfully yours, (Signed) LUTHER BURBANK. Printed by THE MASTER PRESS Los ANGELES 3ft Copyright, 1922 By DR. AXEL EMIL GIBSON Bradbury Building Los ANGELES The Salvaging of the Appendix By DR. AXEL EM1L GIBSON I The anatomical structure which more than any other trembles under the shadow of the surgical scissors is the vermiform appendix, the presence of which in the human abdomen is by most physicians regarded as a misconception of nature, uncalled for as function and undesirable as organism. On the strength of this supposi- tion it has almost become a code of honor for the surgeon never to permit an appendix to pass scot- free if, in his search for some other anatomical offensive, he has had an occasion to enter the abdominal field. And this by the double reason, that while from the standpoint of the surgeon the appendix may have the greatest commercial value sometimes worth its weight in gold to the patient it is represented to be not only abso- lutely worthless, but by its very nature a per- petual, ever threatening menace to its owner. 4928 The Salvaging of the Appendix II So far so good. The meaning and destiny of the appendix, however, would not be so rashly disposed of did we consider more closely the physiological fact, that in the entire evolution of species, the human individual alone is menaced by this appendix. For neither fish nor fowl nor four-legged creatures have even the first rudi- ment of this critical organ. And furthermore, if we are to maintain the position, held by mod- ern science, that the human being is an exten- sion and improvement upon the animal, then the appearance of the vermiform appendix in the abdomen of this more advanced, more perfect species of evolution homo sapiens must have a direct and positive relation both to his own physiological necessity, and to his position in the ranks of biologic and physiologic evolution. In the strange coincidence which, with very few exceptions, occurs between the removal of an appendix and the growing evil of constipa- tion, is found an indication as to the relation of this structure to human physiology. And as its The Salvaging of the Appendix 7 location is at the very point where the right colon starts its career of ascension in direct op- position to the pull of gravity it is merely a matter of simple logic to connect the function of the appendix with the power of intestinal peristalsis. For if the removal of the appendix causes constipation, there must be active in the appendix an agency directly engaged in pro- moting the movement of the bowels in that crit- ical section of the alimentary canal, where the waste matter starts its upward course in the perpendicularly ascending colon. This argument receives added strength from the fact that the vermiform appendix is not present in the animal. For owing to the hori- zontal position of the animal body the right colon, in place of moving upwards moves for- ward, and hence requires no specialized consti- tutional assistance to overcome the pull of grav- ity. It was only after the creature had as- sumed the erect position become a human that evolution had to take recourse to the devel- opment of a new function, to cover needs aris- ing from the subsequently altered anatomical position. 8 The Salvaging of the Appendix III That Nature was adequate to the task, and made a perfect success of the innovation is evi- dent to everyone who obeys her vital laws and lives the simple, useful and self-governed life. The dangers, which our medical science associ- ate with the presence of the appendix, were never realized by mankind, until through life-sapping indulgences in feeding and drinking, the per- istaltic nerve power became unable to empty the appendix and keep it free from decomposing accumulations. Now, what poisons the system more effectively perhaps than any other dietetic indiscrimination is the promiscuous mixtures of raw and cooked, sweet and acid, starchy and greasy foodstuffs that constitute our daily meals, followed by a haphazard " combination salad, " which with its accompanying nondescript dressings of mus- tard, cream, egg, vinegar, pepper, sugar, etc., are as shocking to the gastric secretions as a charge of powder to a house furnace. Any mixture comprising fruit, grains, sugar, milk, The Salvaging of the Appendix 9 meat and vegetables at the same meal, gives rise to fermentation, and as fermentation is the re- sult of bacterial action, which again in its turn always follows the chemical break-down of in- congruous foodstuffs, it follows that the acids arising from fermentation are entirely of bac- terial origin and represent the end product in the long chain of organic break-down of the system. Hostile to every form of constructive life whether in the farmer's soil or in the tis- sues of the human body the fermentative acids represent the "night-side "of nature, and their absorption by the system starts a progressive weakening and disorganization of the entire cell- world in the human body, which will manifest it- self in the part of the body where the strain is heaviest and the organism weakest whether it be in the vermiform appendix, the tonsils or the teeth. 10 The Salvaging of the Appendix IV The trail of the serpent as indicated in the chain of pathological events is thus readily rec- ognized. Fundamentally and principally, with the exception of accidents, there is but one ever- present cause of disease: excess in feeding, and the bacterial fermentations arising from this excess, and from wrong mixtures. For it must always be recognized that fermentation indi- cates organic break-down of the system and its subsequent passing into the hands of destructive bacteria these wreckers and excavators of or- ganic nature, whose work is to demolish and re- move collapsing physiological structures. Or, from another angle, fermentation is the crema- tory or incinerator by which Nature gets rid of her biological garbage-cans. Out of this physio- logical combustion arise those bloodless spectres, which in form of bacterial acids bring disease, infirmity, and premature decay to the human creature. For these acids, which receive their distinctive names from the kind of foodstuffs The Salvaging of the Appendix 11 engaged in the process of fermentation car- bonic, oxalic, lactic, uric, biliary, butyric and other acids which in the form of catarrh and ulcers veritable physiological rust attack and eat up the tissues of the body, like rust a piece of iron, or fire a stick of wood though the pro- cess is slower and may extend over months and years of human suffering. Suspended in the blood stream and carried from cell to cell of the body, a menace to every diseased or enfeebled organ the liver, kidneys, muscles, joints, nerve-trunks, etc., the wither- ing attacks of these acids, in the course of time, would destro}^ every tissue of the body, and re- duce the human creature into a smouldering ash- heap were it not for the ever-present fore- thought of Nature, by which every departure from normal life is anticipated in the antidotes and correctives installed in the system for the neutralization of every threatening condition that may arise in the unfoldment of human life. Lined up on both sides of the neck, the tonsils constitute links in the living chain of vital de- fense works arranged for the protection of the nervously delicate organs of special sensation the organs for seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting .and thinking. The presence in the blood 12 The Salvaging of the Appendix stream of noxious acids leads to corrosive at- tacks on the exposed tissues, with the subse- quent formation of sediments from broken-down cells, which like silt in shallow rivers cause ob- struction in the physiological channels of transit. This means a clogging up of the drainage pipes of the vascular exchanges in the neck where the circulating fluids in the network of lymph-ducts and capillaries proceed to form pools of stag- nant fluids, and lay the foundation for that sin- ister symptom of tissue-degeneracy known as "dry catarrh." The Salvaging of the Appendix 13 The "drainage" thus dried up is a part of that ingenious sewer system of the body with its central service in the activity of the lymphatic glands of the neck, known as tonsils. The brain especially, whose thought processes are evolved through the exchanges between the hemoglobin of the arterial blood, and the phosphoretic fat of the gray matter, depends for its clearness of thought and calmness of judgment on the chem- ico-physiological balance of the blood-stream. It is thus self-evident that the congestion of the circulating fluids that strike the tonsils with inflammation and sepsis is simply due to the in- capacity of its filter service to cope with the increasing stream of sewerage which the indi- vidual, through his over indulgence of food, throws into it. From which it follows, that to cut out a diseased tonsil is about as sane and as logical as to scrap a congested filter apparatus because of the sediment accumulating in it. And though a tonsil, after having become thoroughly 14 The Salvaging of the Appendix infected by a poison-breeding indigestion, in its turn may become a secondary source of poison- ing to the system the fact should never be lost sight of that the primary and fundamental cause lies in man's indulgence, and that the only effective treatment of his tonsils is to keep him away from foods that fill him with tonsil- smoth- ering sewerage. That there may be advanced cases of organ- ized infection, when surgical intervention be- tween the man and his different appendices is necessary, can not be doubted, though at the same time a slight knowledge of dietetic prin- ciples coupled with some moral enthusiasm and personal self-respect could have entirely pre- vented it. As we sow, so we must reap, and having sown the dragon's teeth we must of course be prepared to reap its crop of serpents. But even in the impaired condition in which we find mankind today, over 90 per cent of dis- eased tonsils and appendices could be saved and restored to usefulness. But the individual must take himself in hand, and with courage and calm judgment enter upon an active campaign against his own degenerate existence. And as errors in diet are accountable for at least four-fifths of the world's physical breakdown, the first .move The Salvaging of the Appendix 15 should be to eliminate all such foods from the bill of fare that lead to fermentation and acid- ity, viz.: cream, grease, pastry, rich soups and gravies, sour, spiced dressings, white, sifted flour, and any form of manufactured sweets. On the other hand we should choose our sustenance from natural unfermented foods, such as fresh vegetables, whole wheat or rye bread, lean, fresh meat, and fruit in the season the latter how- ever, to be enjoyed by itself, separated from the principal meals. Furthermore, small meals and thorough mastication are indispensable to health- ful, virile life. But more important perhaps than any other treatment of congestion and inflammation is a few days' deliberate fast. This gives the system free hands to take up the new business and throw every available energy into the systemic emergency. In place of cutting out his tonsils, teeth and appendix, the physician should cut out his French dinners, Dutch lunches and Irish breakfasts. This might bring in less business to the surgeon, but it would certainly insure a new existence for the patient new health, wealth and happiness to himself and his family. 16 The Salvaging of the Appendix VI To sum up the argument, let us once for all impress the facts upon our minds, that the ap- pendix and the tonsils are not sport structures for experimental surgery, but hold positions of greatest importance to human health and effi- ciency; that the thousands of years of culture and civilization when man has been associated with his appendix have proven that this organ has not been an obstruction to his march of progress, but capable of sustaining a virility and health of the ancients, which its present theory of obligatory removal turns into a hollow mock- ery ; that surgical operations with their unavoid- able anesthetics mean profound nervous shock to the entire system, and should therefore be made use of only aa a last resource ; that the re- moval of tonsils or appendix, if not accompanied by advices of the physician how to avoid a repe- tition of the error that caused the disorder, is downright malpractice ; and finally, that any form of treatment medically or surgically to The Salvaging of the Appendix 17 which a patient submits with a view of being able to continue with impunity an indulgence in the old error, demands a price of vital and moral energy which can only be paid by mortgaging every cell and organ of his body commonwealth. It is only natural to be well. As long as we obey the laws of Nature we need have no fear. Only the madman distrusts his own organism. Like the law of gravity the laws of life act with unceasing energy upon every unit of her sub- jects. And where every unit is intact, and every organ is present and responsive, health and power is inevitable. With a slight alteration of the old proverb accredited to the wise old King Solomon, we may close with the observation that he that ruleth his stomach is mightier than he that conquers a city. Practical Preventatives DIETETIC THERAPY Dejeuner de Luxe 1. Oatmeal, cornmeal, phosphomeal or rice, cooked up with a sliced onion, a sprig of parsley and % teaspoonful flaxseed meal, boiled l 1 /^ hours and served with unsalted butter or olive oil, but without bread. 2. Chopped young onions and parsley roasted lightly in a chafing dish, and when done turned into an egg omelet. Served with rye bread toast. 3. Dried prunes soaked over night, and sim- mered over slow fire in the morning until soft and done. Seasoned with a teaspoonful sugar of milk, and served with well toasted rye bread and unsalted butter. 4. Baked apple with milk sugar and whipped coddled egg. Small slice of toasted rye bread. 5. Pint of fresh cow's milk warmed and a shredded wheat biscuit. Tablespoonful lime- water. 20 The Salvaging of the Appendix Lunches (Raw) 1. Two heaping tablespoonfuls of grated raw carrots, to which add two teaspoonfuls of olive oil, % cup of hot water and a pinch of salt. Stir briskly and serve with parsley, lettuce and toasted rye bread. 2. Water cress ; parsley ; grated, raw turnips ; pecan nuts ; olive oil ; rye bread. 3. Lettuce; dandelion; celery; parsley; soft boiled egg ; rye bread toast and unsalted butter. 4. Bermuda onions and cucumbers seasoned in salt water, served with lettuce, parsley, crisp bacon small slice rye bread, toasted or stale. Suppers (Cooked) Any selection of two or three of the following vegetables steamed, roasted, baked or boiled: Spinach, parsley, Irish potatoes, onions, rice, car- rots, turnips, fresh young garden peas, garlic, dandelion, parsnips, okra, squash, asparagus, artichoke, celery root, string beans (not canned), corn off cob, cauliflower, green onions, egg plant, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohl-rabi, kale. If meats are desired selections should be lim- ited to the upper cut of a round steak, lean mut- The Salvaging of the Appendix 21 ton, lean bacon, turkey, wild goose, chicken, sand dab, sole, barracuda. (No shell fish, ham or fresh pork.) Meats or fish should never be fried or boiled or prepared into vegetable stews. Milk should never be used in cooking. Nor should meat and vegetables be cooked together, as the chemistry of cooking renders them both indigestible. Gravies, dressings and greasy soups are to be avoided. Once a day during the week either fish, egg, or meat may be used. Potatoes or beans should never be used with breadstuffs or cereals. No desserts in any form either as fruit, pastry, preserves or ice cream should ever be allowed at meals. They not only delay digestion, but start processes of fermentation injurious to the entire system. Fruits, either apples, grapes or oranges, are allowed at bedtime only, and only in their re- spective season, and one kind at the time. Upon rising, one hour before breakfast, drink a tumbler of distilled water, to which has been added 2 teaspoonfuls of lemon juice. 22 The Salvaging of the Appendix ABORTIVE THERAPY If actual attack of the disease is under hand put the patient to bed and apply hot woolen compresses over the region of tenderness. The compresses should be wrung out in a solution of one part of vinegar to twelve parts of boiling water, and removed every twelve minutes during one hour and a half, when a warm enema of ^2 gallon salt water and 1/2 pint of olive oil should be administered. After the bowels move, the abdomen should be massaged in lodex ointment and permanently covered by a dry bandage or girdle of woolen cloth. The girdle should surround the entire waist and be pinned snugly to the inner gar- ment. The lodex massage of the abdomen may be continued a few minutes every evening and morning, until every symptom of weakness has been removed. An elevation of the foot end of the bed some six inches will equalize the circulatory pressure and be of great value also a few minutes loco- motion on hands and feet before breakfast con- fers great benefit on the entire system. The Salvaging of the Appendix 23 INDEX PURGATORIO DIETA Avoid the sweets, Avoid the sour The greasy meats, The sifted flour. Fried, boiled or stewed meats. Any form of pork. Fruit with meat. Fruit with cereals, mushes or vegetables. Mixtures of raw and cooked vegetables. Mixtures of raw and cooked fruits. Potatoes in any other form than baked. Cereals or breads and potatoes at the same meal. Alcoholic beverages. Extracted, concentrated, fermented foods. Shortened, spiced, "fruited," patent-sifted or bran-mixed breadstuffs. Grease, gravies, soups, stews, dressings. Milk as a table beverage. Nuts, with meat, eggs or beans. Salmon, lobster, oyster, shrimp. Canned meats or fish. Candy or pastry in any form. Ice cream or other cream. Any form of food that does not grow on a root, hang on a tree, or swim, run or fly. 24 The Salvaging of the Appendix Excitement, worry, nervousness, hurry, tem- per, despondency, criticising attitude, heated discussion at meals, affect the system as positive poisons. No unkind word should ever be spoken at meals. The gastric secretions are as sensitive to conditions of the mind as the sensitive plate of the camera is to light. Joy exhilarates diges- tion ; gloom depresses or vitiates it. Eating is a business in itself and should be separated from all other mental or physical engagements. To eat with the end in view of health, usefulness and service, insures the greatest return of strength and joy to the eater. Facts and Fancies in "HEALTH FOODS" Castilian Cover. 128 Pages. Price 75c. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Basis for Longevity True or False. 2. The Failure of the Calories. 3. Food Mixtures that Disturb Digestion. 4. The Psychic Factor in Digestion. 5. Does Bran and Hull Cure Constipation? 6. Temperament and Nutrition. 7. The Psychology of Meat-eating. 8. The Law of Individuality in Diet. 9. Acid-free Diet More Important than "Mucous-free." 10. The "Bulgarlzed" Milk Indulgence. 11. The Magic of Fleischman's Yeast. 12. Sugar Food or Poison? 13. Right and Wrong Side of Coffee. 14. The Use and Misuse of Honey. 15. Health-Foods that Spell Health. 16. The Scientifically Balanced Bill-of-Fare. 17. Things to be Avoided. 18. General Constructive Therapeutics. April 19, 19&. Dr. Axel Emil Gibson, Dear Sir: Your two books, "Facts and Fancies in Health Foods" and "New Light on Living" received, and I thank you very much for them. These books contain a great deal that is new and worthy of careful consideration and are sure to be of value in solving some of the everyday problems of life. Your handling of the fads in eating is very good indeed and should open the eyes of your readers. Sincerely yours, (Signed) L. W. ESTERBROOK, M.D. Amanuensis, Library of Congress, Washington, D. O. Dear Doctor Gibson: I have carefully read your book, "Facts and Fancies in Health Foods," and wish to say that it is one of the b^est books on food that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It is concise and to the point. The article that you have written regarding Honey, is alone worth the price of the book. I have recommended this book to the students of the Mecca College of Chiropractic and I think that in the near future you will receive a number of orders. Very sincerely, F. W. COLLINS, D.O., D.C., M.D., Dean of the Mecca College of Chiropractic. NEW LIGHT ON LIVING Price 75c TABLE OP CONTENTS 1. Up to Nature not "Back-to-Nature." 2. Looking at Nature, or Looking Into Nature. 3. Imitation Mental Suicide. 4. Historical "Back-to-Nature Men." 5. An Analysis of Forced Water Drinking. 6. The "Unfired" Food Theory. 7. Pepper and Salt, Friends or Enemies? 8. The Einstein Theory Applied to Life. 9. The Great Fruit-Indiscrimination. 10. Salt-Treatment as a Cure for Cancer and Tuberculosis. 11. The Problem of Quantity in Feeding. 12. Self-directed Evolution. 13. "Lest We Forget." The book contains the picture of the Author. Mr. Axel Emit Gibson, Los Angeles, California. Dear Sir: September 27, 1922. We should be very glad to accept for careful and permanent preservation in this Library a copy of your recently published volume entitled "Neio Light on Living." The additional favor of your autograph upon the fly-leaf would be greatly appreciated. Yours truly, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY, Per 8. B. Mitchell, Associate Librarian. Dr. A. E. Gibson, Los Angeles, Calif. Dear Sir: August 21. 1922. One of our patrons has come in, telling us of a new book published recently by you. called t( New Light on Living." We would be grateful if you cared to remember the library in this instance as you have done heretofore. At least I am told that we hare copies of your earlier books and that they were gifts to the library. We flnd the demand consistent for your works, and would be glad to have the new book added to our shelves. Please know of our full appreciation of your former favors. Very truly yours, LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY, Los Angeles, California. GUY E. MARION, Assistant Librarian. BLOOD AND NERVE DISEASES SPOKESMAN REVIEW Spokane, Wash. NATURAL REMEDIES BLOOD AND NERVE DISEASES, by Dr. Axel Gibson. (Christopher Publishing Co.) This is Dr. Gibson's latest contribution to the science of human nutrition. Through the agencies of food, motion, breathing and thought the most destructive diseases of the blood and nerves can be cured. This book is based on many years of experi- ence and covers all the important factors in building up a new system and a sound circulation. The chapter on the drugless treatment of nervousness will be found valuable. Food seems to be the founda- tion of health and balance. ATHOL, MASS. CHRONICLE July 27, 1922. BLOOD AND NERVE DISEASES, by Dr. Axel Emil Gibson. Price $1.50. This book is based upon many years of experience in the handling of problems connected with the all- important subject of food values. It should be in every home. Get a copy at once. DELAWARE LEDGER Newark, Del. Sept. 8, 1922. BLOOD AND NERVE DISEASES, by Dr. Axel Emil Gibson. Price $1.50. This book is not too technical for popular reading and, therefore, should be chosen by many people with practical ideas of life, for their guidance. WASHINGTON TIMES Washington, D. C. August 27, 1922. BLOOD AND NERVE DISEASES, by Dr. Axel Emil Gibson. Price $1.50. The doctor's plan for the treatment of nervousness is very satisfactory. The system he outlines is a really excellent one and if followed is certain to afford a maximum of relief. 4928 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY