This Psychic Reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 1st day of March, 1940, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [257], Active Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.

TEXT

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, as I ask them:
2. EC: Yes, we have the body here, [257]; this we have had before.
3. Because of the present disturbing conditions, and to enable the body to better understand - and to realize the necessity of precautions, it will be well to review for the body the information through this channel since 1925 that has warned the body respecting its activities and the disregarding of precautions indicated for the corrective forces and for prolonged activity of a useful nature in this experience. [See 257-9, Par. 8 on 4/13/25 & 257-10, Par. 20 on 1/11/26, also 257-108, Par. 11 on 5/11/33, etc.]
4. And as has been indicated, unless there ARE more and better precautions, it will not be able to carry on in the ways that have been and are desired by the body. Not that it is to become a do-nothing, or as one enjoying poor health. But those precautions that have been indicated as to burning the candle at both ends, and the disregarding of weaknesses which have existed, and the precautions against activities as well as diet, as well as of mental attitude, were and still are necessary, - if the body would enjoy the better health and be able, physically and mentally, to carry on as it desires.
5. When there have been periods of adhering to the suggestions indicated, improvements have come. And then because of the apparent stress of circumstance, or the desire to excel in some definite direction, the body has - through associations, or through activities - been prompted to break over from those conditions and those things outlined for the body for the better health.
6. And NOW the body finds itself anxious about conditions.
7. If this is allowed to become of such natures as to cause the body to become panicky, or so overanxious as to do those things against which it has been warned, then it will meet the consequences of same.
8. These, as we find, are the existent conditions in the present:
9. In the blood supply we find - with the unbalanced conditions in the chemical body - there are those inclinations for excesses of fats, and a lack of coagulation - which prevents the proper activity of the lacteals, or the cords in the intestinal tract through which there is the absorption of that assimilated into the circulation. Through this weakened condition, and the unbalanced chemical condition in the blood, with this lack of the coagulation, there is at times caused a breaking of these tissues.
10. Thus there is the draining through the system of blood, - causing the cramps, the uneasiness mentally and physically, and dis-ease (not disease but dis-ease) to the mental as well as the physical forces of the body.
11. If there is the adhering to those outlines which have been indicated, consistently - since this beginning in 1925 of these disturbances - there will be less of these strains and a better condition through the whole system itself.
12. First, then, - refrain from overtaxing the body by too long hours at sleep, at play, at work, at social activities or at any one phase! Or, as has been so oft indicated, budget the time for work, for play, for social activity, for recreation, - both as to the mental and bodily conditions.
13. These warnings, to be sure, are of such a general nature, apparently, that unless an individual takes thought and follows same consistently, it is apparently useless. But, as the body has been warned, to not do this is to cut short the years of active service through this particular experience, BECAUSE of the activities, the inclinations as received in inception as WELL as in the former activities in the material plane.
14. Hast thou not read the promise of what has been and is the law concerning the length of days upon the earth? To be sure, these the body has attempted in this experience to observe, in a minor degree; but in those experiences before, not so well! [Ex:20:12] [See Life Rdg. 257-10.]
15. Now, as to physical activities, - it has been indicated that there should be taken certain elements; as the Saffron Tea, as well as the Elm, that would be most efficacious in aiding the system to meet the conditions through the soft tissue, the gastric flow through the intestinal system.
16. Also add, now, this; and do not do this spasmodically, else it will be more harmful than helpful, but do it consistently, and at a given time each day:
17. Before retiring at night take three to five drops of Glyco-Thymoline in half a glass of water; and of mornings - AFTER the meal is eaten - take three to five drops in half a glass of water. Keep this up until sufficient has been taken into the system in this manner that the odor of same may be detected in the stool, or the gas from the body. Then, leave off, - and after a couple of weeks or so, repeat this again.
18. Because of the character of fermentation, as we have indicated, there are certain characters of foods that should be left off; such as condiments - as pickles, pickled beets, or ANY food that has acetic acid or its equivalent in same (as vinegar of any kind). While this may not be so harmful in meats, it is preferable that such seasonings be NOT taken by the body, and that the foods be prepared without same. Slaw, as cabbage or the like, should NOT be seasoned with such; though it is well to be taken without same, - just as ALL vegetables that may be combined in a green salad should be taken each day; at least one meal each day should consist principally of these.
19. And this business of the body eating just at any time of day, of which the body has been warned, should be eliminated! And then such things as cold cuts, or meat that has been preserved (as some characters of cold cuts, or spiced meats, or things of the nature), should be tabu.
20. Have a regular hour for the meal and conform to same, and let the food be prepared as a meal and not just as a makeshift!
21. Beware of any form of malt drinks; though, as indicated, red wine may be taken - as a FOOD, NOT as a drink! Eat bread - brown bread - pumpernickel or the like - with same.
22. To reduce sugar, and to reduce fats, keep those foods or characters of foods as here indicated, - and then take grape juice regularly; not take it one day or three days and then skip one day, or even one period, but take it regularly four times each day, about three ounces, two ounces of the grape juice and one ounce of water, or three ounces of grape juice and one ounce of water, - this well stirred. BEST that this be taken about thirty minutes before each meal, and before retiring at night. Even though the meal may consist only of a glass of orange juice and a piece of toast, or the like, take the grape juice thirty minutes beforehand - and at bedtime. Welch's Grape Juice is preferable, unless the fresh grapes are used - unsweetened.
23. Then, as has been indicated, use the colon irrigations to cleanse all the inclination for the strains through the jejunum that have drained into the colon and caused a disturbance. As to how often these should be given would depend upon the eliminations, as to how much these are or as to how well they are. This had best be judged by the one administering the manipulations. Whether it's once in a month, or once in three weeks, will depend upon the activities of the body, see?
24. Consistency means not only that there be regular periods for activities of the body mentally and physically, but if there have been the needs of any extra-strenuous day, extra-strenuous trip, extra-strenuous mental activity, these draw upon the body to such an extent that all the relaxations, all the eliminations, must be called into play to meet the needs. Hence not only persistency, but consistent activity and thought becomes necessary.
25. Keep away from red meats, - that is, rare roasts or the like; though a good steak (WELL COOKED) may be taken once a week if so desired.
26. Have a great deal of fruit of all kinds, and vegetables of all kinds.
27. And if these are kept, with the massages that have been indicated again and again for the body, CONSISTENTLY, we may rid the system of the CAUSES, and the effects also as the conditions are broken up.
28. Again let us give: Have a period for recreation, physically. Don't do this one day, or one day a week. If it is not capable of having more than a five minute walk EVERY day, do that! That is better than an hour of strenuous exercise once a month, or even once in a week! There is no better exercise once a month, or even once a week! There is no better exercise, even for this body, than walking! not fast, but to be in the open, and to seeing the body in the movements, - this is WELL for the body.
29. Do not take one of the manipulations twice this week and then two weeks later twice again, or once again. Have certain days and be there - on time!
30. Have certain periods set aside, one day each week, when there will be a social recreation, as well as enlightenment by the enjoying of music, of play, of social activities. Even if you sit down and go to sleep the first two or three times, do it! and make yourself do it again! It is needed, - that CHANGE!
31. This does not mean for the entity to become as one socially-minded! For, as has been glimpsed - but only glimpsed by the body - he that would be the greatest among his fellows will be the servant of all. [Mat. 23:11]
32. Do these things, then, consistently; and if you will do them, it will repay you a hundredfold.
33. Ready for questions.
34. (Q) Does chewing licorice hurt body or cause blood flow?
    (A) It isn't very good for it!
35. (Q) Does eating oysters raw hurt body or cause blood flow?
    (A) Depends upon what they are eaten with! If they are taken with any liqueurs of any kind, or when the body is exceedingly tired, they are not good. Otherwise they are VERY good, as ANY shell fish for the body.
36. (Q) Do biscuits cause gas if eaten once a week?
    (A) Depends upon other things and not upon the biscuits! Biscuits are naturally more of the gluten nature, and if there are other foods that are of the same nature, - as cold meats, or cold drinks, or the like, - it will cause gas. Without same, no.
37. (Q) Corn bread once a week?
    (A) No, it does not cause gas. It is helpful to the body if taken with the right attitudes, - that is, if the activities are proper and there are the right attitudes at the time.
38. (Q) Does Italian wine have the proper effect, or is port wine better?
    (A) Either of these is alright, whichever is the more preferable, but - as indicated - DO NOT TAKE AS A DRINK! Eat the brown bread with same!
    But if the grape juice is taken in the manner indicated, it will be found that these will not be so necessary.
39. (Q) Any oil or laxative necessary?
    (A) Oil, as Usoline or Russian White Oil, is very well, - but do not depend upon this. Better to have the enemas then so much oil.
    We must change gradually the whole reaction, through the diet and through the leaving off of those things about which the body has been warned.
    Remember, you have been nearly twenty years causing this condition, and you can't change it or get through with it in a year! DO as has been indicated, if we would have the better forces for this body.
40. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. 1/12/40 He obtained Ck. Physical Rdg. 257-215 for periodical rectal bleeding, stomach pains, etc.
2. 1/23/40 He obtained Business Rdg. 257-216.
3. 2/15/40 He wrote: "I have had the blood start again, but for 2 wks. it has stopped. I was taking the Saffron tea at mealtime now I take it at bedtime and it does wonders. I am trying to follow closer. It's so hard when I am strained all the time."
4. 2/22/40 He wrote: "I am worried about myself. I've driven myself awfully hard and am trying to relax more than ever. For 2 wks. not a drop of blood [from the rectum]. I took the high colonic first, 2 wks. ago - had Dr. Louis H. Backman [Ph.T.] twice, hot baths twice, pinch of elm daily and every night the Saffron tea. Today I bled like a pig again - more than ever - pains in stomach. When you get time, try me again. I'll have to get some pictures of my insides if this keeps up... I feel fine except the 'rear end axle' - if I can clear that up I'll be fine, I hope."
5. 2/23/40 He submitted questions, also requested 563-5 for his sister.

REPORTS

1. 3/01/40 EC wrote Dr. Louis H. Backman [Ph.T.]:
   "I hope you will get hold of my friend, [257], and keep him in the straight and narrow. If not, I'm afraid he will have a lot of trouble."
2. 3/07/40 Dr. George Baehr's letter to Dr. Samuel H. Geist re Mr. [257]:
   Dr. Samuel H. Geist 100 East 74th St. New York City [Report from Mt. Sinai Hospital]
   Dear Dr. Geist:
   The diagnostic examination of your patient, Mr. [257] has been completed. Five years ago, a slight amount of blood streaking was observed in his stool on a number of occasions. The expulsion of gas and bowel movements often cause a spattering of tiny drops of blood. He observes this bleeding regularly after alcoholic indulgence and following the ingestion of beef. One year ago, a rectal polyp was removed by Dr. Winkelstein. [See 257-197 Reports.] Barium enema examination at that time was said to have revealed no other significant findings. He received five injections of snake venom which afforded temporary relief of the bleeding. During the past two and one half years, he has been taking saffron tea. During this period, he has been subject to occasional mild cramp like pain and distention which have been relieved by the passage of flatus or feces.
   PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: A well developed and nourished man, 47 years old. Pupils react to light and accommodation. Mucous membranes of the mouth and throat negative. No thyroid or glandular enlargement. Lungs are clear. Heart sounds are of good quality. No murmurs. Abdomen: mild tympanites. No enlarged or tender masses or viscera. Genital: negative. Rectal examination: Slight irregularities in mucosa of internal sphincter suggestive of hemorrhoid. No blood of glove. Extremities are negative. No pathological reflexes. Reflexes are active and equal. Blood pressure: 120/85
   FLUOROSCOPY OF THE CHEST: Shows no evidence of parenchymatous lesions in the lungs. The heart is normal in size and configuration.
   BLOOD EXAMINATION: Hemoglobin 89%, leukocytes 8,900 of which the polynuclears constituted - segmented 62%, eosinophiles 1%, staph 2%, basophiles 1%, lymphocytes 29%, atypical lymphocytes 2%, monocytes 3%.
   SEDIMENTATION TIME: Was 4 hours which was normal. KAHN TEST: For syphilis was negative.
   URINE EXAMINATION: Clear, acid. No albumin. No sugar. Specific gravity 1024. Microscopic: Few epithelial cells. Rare W.B.C. Very rare R.B.C.
   ELECTROCARDIOGRAM: A copy of which is enclosed shows deep Q wave in Lead 111.
   REHFUSS TEST MEAL: Specimens of the stomach were removed at 15-minute intervals over a two hour period and showed a gastric anacidity but but the response to histamine excludes a true achlorhydria. A copy of the Rehfuss chart is enclosed.
   X-RAY examination of the COLON: By barium enema shows a complete obstruction in the proximal descending colon. There was a large circular intraluminal defect at the site of the obstruction, suggesting the presence of neoplasm. The possibility of its being partly or entirely due to intussusception should be considered clinically.
   SUMMARY: X-Ray examination disclosed a complete obstruction in the proximal descending colon. The roentgenological findings are somewhat suggestive of an intussusception. In addition, there is a large circular intraluminal defect at the site of the obstruction suggesting the presence of a neoplasm. There is no other clinical evidence of malignant disease in this case. In view of the fact that a rectal polyp was removed one year ago, the clinical and roentgenological findings suggest that the obstruction in the descending colon may be due to an intussusception resulting from a benign polyp. There have been no clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction and the obstruction which was observed roentgenologically is apparently intermittent. The polyp in the descending colon is the probable cause of the rectal bleeding of several years' duration.
   TREATMENT: Surgical intervention is advised as the possibility of malignant degeneration of the polyp cannot be excluded.
   The following members of the visiting staff of the Hospital took part in the investigation of this patient:
   Dr. George Baehr Dr. Herman Lande Dr. Coleman B. Rabin Dr. Sylvan Moolten Dr. John Beck Dr. March L. Sussman
   Sincerely yours, George Baehr, M.D. Director, Consultation Service.
3. 3/13/40 Mr. [257]'s, not having rec'd above report from Dr. Geist, obtained Ck. Physical Rdg. 257-218 for severe facial neuralgia.
4. 3/18/40 Mr. [257] wrote, enclosing 3/07/40 Dr. Geist's letter:
   Dear Judge:
   I just came from the Doctor's. Dr. Geist, who was [wife [903]]'s doctor sent me to Mt. Sinai to take the full clinic investigation. You will note the report states definitely that I need an operation to remove an enlarged polyp or tumor. This is a great surprise to me as it, no doubt, will be to you. But, before I consider an operation I would like to see what the Reading says and answer these questions. It comes at a bad time, with [bro.-in-law [1565]'s] father so ill and also after the siege I have had, but I'd better know about it and know what to do about it.
   Please have the suggestions read as I've written them. I will be in the office Friday A.M. and will be very quiet at 11 A.M. if you set the date. You will have the body of [257] ... Ave., New York City. - please go over it thoroughly and especially examine the upper part of the colon and describe any abnormal condition you find, or any polyps, tumors or growths that you may find, advising present condition, danger involved and what to do to correct it - the proper time and person to do it. Questions:
   1. Five doctors have signed the report which I am holding. They state it is a tumor - Is their statement correct?
   2. What caused this growth to develop?
   3. If the Forces disagree how can we account for this picture showing the tumor?
   4. If it is a tumor, is is benign or malignant?
   5. When should an operation be performed if same is recommended?
   6. Would be the best doctor for it?
   7. How long would it take for a full recovery if operation is performed?
   8. What preparations necessary to aid a quick clean operation? 9. Is there any way to dissolve a tumor entirely?
   10. Considering body and mind of patient, is this operation safe to perform?
   11. If an additional medical opinion is necessary who would be person to consult?
   12. Doctors recommend an operation - Do the forces agree with this recommendation?
   13. Why haven't the Readings described the growth before?
   14. Is it advisable to have the operation performed in Mt. Sinai or would the forces recommend some other hospital nearer home?
   15. Shall I take Saffron Tea, Elm Bark, and Grape Juice?
   16. Under present condition, shall I have the front tooth and tooth on upper right side taken out as dentist recommended?
   17. Under present condition, what will effect of colonic be?
5. 3/21/40 He obtained Ck. Physical Rdg. 257-219.

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