9/26/43 Ltr. from [
3337]' sister:
..., Kansas
Sept. 26, 1943
Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Dear Friends -
Your letter in answer to my questions reached me a few days
ago and also the booklet. Both the patient and I read the
booklet with a great deal of interest.
Mrs. [
3337] has for the last few years been reading much of
the literature sent out by "Unity". This has been of great
comfort to her, and it is very easy for her to enter into the
beliefs that are set forth in Mr. Cayce's booklet.
Mrs. [
3337] (the patient) is desirous of becoming an
Associate member and of having a physical reading as soon
as possible.
I am enclosing her case history [See enclosures below] as
given by her medical doctors up to about a year and a half
ago. Since then all of the doctors have told her and us,
they have found nothing in medical science that can help her
she has steadily become more and more helpless and is unable
to move any part of her body now except her head and her
shoulders somewhat. As her condition becomes worse and
worse, we naturally would be very thankful to have the
reading as soon as possible. Of course we realize there are
many others who feel the same way. I am giving this
information so that you may decide whether it is an emergency
case.
She has kept up her courage and has always felt and still
feels that there is help for her.
Will it be necessary to find a doctor in advance who would
carry out instructions, should one be needed? Have you ever
found that none could be found in some localities? What
procedure was followed in that case?
As I stated in my first letter the patient is a sister of
mine she has a husband and two daughters who are eager for
her to have a reading from Mr. Cayce. I have for some years
been interested in the realm of the spirit and will do all in
my power to be of service in this case.
If we can be of any service in answering questions, we will
be very glad to receive them.
Perhaps Mr. Cayce nor any of the assistants will not be
interested in the case history, I shall enclose the postage
required to return the same.
Sincerely,
Mrs. [...]
P.S. In regard to the date of reading in the application
blank, will you inform us before hand of the same, so that
the preparations as suggested in the booklet can be made?
[Enclosure of Case History]
12/21/40 Ltr. to Mayo Clinic (Copy):
LeRoy W. Shepard, M.D. S. T. Coughlin, M.D.
518 Broadway
Larned, Kansas
Mayo Clinic,
Rochester, Minnesota
Dear Doctors:
This is to introduce Mrs. [
3337], ..., Kansas.
We first saw her on
8/26/39 at which time she complained of
pain in hip joints, especially left, pain in epigastrium,
which radiates to right shoulder region, pain is worse after
eating and not relieved by alkalies. No history of colic
attack or jaundice.
A GB series, at this time, showed a relatively large GB with
large filling defect, and emptied only 50% after fat meal.
Patient was put on bile acids and diet and felt much better
for several months with no pain in epigastrium or legs.
The physical examination was essentially negative at this
time.
She returned on
4/12/40 complaining of pain in right costal
margin radiating to right shoulder and aching pain in both
hips. Reflexes were all normal at this time.
She was sent to hospital on
7/18/40 and the GB was found to
be somewhat enlarged. No calculi found. A Cholecystotomy
was done.
Patient felt good for about 2 months after the operation.
Then she complained of pain in both legs especially the left.
On examination, a marked atrophy of quadriceps of left leg
was noticed. Left knee reflex was sluggish but present - no
abnormal reflexes. Right knee reflex normal. At present
time, there is a marked atrophy of left leg - no knee reflex
or abnormal reflexes. No ankle clonus. Right knee jerk is
absent.
Our diagnosis is multiple sclerosis and her treatment lately
has consisted of B6 injections and some Theelin for
menopausal symptoms.
Any help that you can afford us in this case will be greatly
appreciated.
Very truly yours, LeRoy W. Shepard, M.D. (LWS:R)
1/03/41 Ltr. from Mayo Clinic (Copy):
LeRoy W. Shepard, M.D. S. T. Coughlin, M.D.
518 Broadway
Larned, Kansas
Dr. LeRoy W. Shepard,
518 Broadway,
Larned, Kansas
Dear Doctor Shepard:
Thank you for your kind referral of Mrs. [
3337] who was
registered at the Clinic December 24 and dismissed on Dec.
28, 1940.
Her general examination was found to be essentially negative
which concurs with the report you offered in your letter of
referral. She was in a good state of nutrition in spite of
the fact that she claims to have lost considerable weight
during the past several months. For the past year and a half
she complained of progressive weakness of the lower
extremities with minimal sensory disturbance of a paresthetic
character. The left leg demonstrated this to a greater
extent than the right. However, there were no specific signs
indicative of a localized spinal lesion. There were some
fibrillary twitchings which were few enough to postulate
their being on a fatigue basis, but, in view of the history,
these also might represent chronic degenerative disease of
the nervous system.
The neurologic examination demonstrated hypoactivity of the
reflexes of the lower extremities with some proportionate
atrophy suggestive of a lower motor neuron disease. A spinal
fluid examination was obtained which proved to be entirely
negative with normal hydro-dynamics, negative Kolmer and
Kline tests, a total protein of 30 mg. and only 1 lymphocyte.
Consequently, we were unable to offer any specific type of
therapy, but it was felt that a trial of vitamin E given in
the form of wheat germ oil might be of some value, and this
was prescribed in addition to the vitamin therapy which she
had received under your supervision. I gave her a few cans
of Archer-Daniels-Midland's wheat germ oil which she can
probably obtain through her local druggist. This was to be
taken 1 tablespoonful three times a day for a month and after
that, she might reduce the dosage to 1 teaspoonful three
times a day for another month or more. In addition, aspirin
might be used for symptomatic treatment of any pains of which
she complained.
Her laboratory examination including urinalysis, hemoglobin
estimation, erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, and
flocculation test of the blood for syphilis were essentially
negative. An x-ray of the chest was negative and x-rays of
the head showed a slight posterior displacement of the
pineal, but in the absence of any compatible signs of cranial
nerve or central nervous system disturbance, is was believed
that this did not present any clue to a clinical syndrome.
Dental examination also proved to be essentially negative.
Dr. P. Brown who supervised her general examination suggested
that she take 50 mg. of ascorbic acid twice daily, and to be
sure to drink at least a pint of milk every day.
Mrs. [
3337] offered to give us a report within six weeks,
which we will await with interest, as well as any other
report on her clinical course which you may care to mention.
Our diagnosis was indeterminate although it was believed that
some lesion of the cord of a degenerative or inflammatory
character may have started off this train of symptoms.
Yours very truly,
[Signed] P. H, Heersema, M.D.
5/27/41 Ltr. from Mayo Clinic (Copy):
LeRoy W. Shepard, M.D. S. T. Coughlin, M.D.
518 Broadway
Larned, Kansas
Dr. LeRoy W. Shepard,
518 Broadway,
Larned, Kansas
Dear Doctor Shepard:
Mrs. [
3337] returned to the Clinic on May 19, at which time
she presented evidence of a progression of her symptoms. My
last correspondence with you was on January 3, 1941, I
believe, at which time I gave a report of our initial
examination of Mrs. [
3337].
The present examination demonstrated some atrophy and loss of
reflexes of the lower extremities such as had been noted
before. I remember my having considered the possibility of
degenerative disease of the central nervous system at the
time of her first visit but this last examination has made us
veer away from this diagnosis as the essential feature in her
complaints. The weakness is decidedly greater than the pain,
but there is no increase rather a decrease in the reflex
response which has followed rather than preceded atrophy such
as might be expected in a strictly lower motor neuron
disease. In other words, the muscle weakness seems to have
an intrinsic myogenic rather than neurogenic character. The
muscles even seem to have some feelings of tightness with
increased tone in spite of the weakness which was suggestive
of a myositis. Doctors Slocumb and Hench were asked to see
her with this in mind but they were not able to establish
sufficient evidence to place her symptoms and signs on a
myositic basis.
As an outside chance a milligram of prostigmin was given
parenterally but this was without significant effect, and,
therefore, a diagnosis of myasthenia could be disregarded.
Examination of the urine for lead and arsenic was also found
to be negative. Blood chemistry including values for
calcium, uric acid and potassium was obtained and all found
to be within normal range. Her blood sedimentation rate was
17 mm. per hour, again a normal value. Urine studies were
normal. The hemoglobin estimation was adequate, being 12.3
grams per 100 cc. The leucocyte count was normal at 7,900
and a differential count showed slight predominance of
neutrophils with 76 per cent but this was not of any
considerable significance. The only additional x-ray taken
at this visit was that of the pelvis for the possibility of
bone changes which might give a lead as to the lower
extremity weakness. Another reason for this x-ray was that
Mrs. [
3337] felt that her trouble was tied up in some way
with the lower bowel as she had noted that she would feel
well until after a meal and then would begin to have
abdominal pains with associated weakness. I did not find any
evidence to support such a contention.
In addition to all of the above examinations, Doctor MacLean
of the neurologic section saw Mrs. [
3337] and the entire
problem was discussed with Dr. F. P. Moersch of this same
department. In spite of our combined efforts, we are at a
loss to definitely place this in any diagnostic category and
it narrows down to a more or less trial and error proposition
of finding some means of combating the increasing weakness.
She has been on considerable vitamin C ingestion and although
this is perfectly harmless in any amount so far as I know,
yet she mentions that on two occasions many years ago when
she was on an orange diet and another time when she had
taken considerable amounts of tomato juice that she had
experienced a considerable amount of weakness. I do not
know what the significance of this may be. I suspect that it
is coincidence but from an empirical standpoint as well as
the adequate diet she is taking, I suggested that she
discontinue the special vitamin preparations. She was given
some glycine, 1 teaspoonful to be taken three times a day.
In addition to this, she was given Hexabione (vitamin B6)
ampules to be administered twice a week parenterally for the
next two or three weeks.
We will be pleased to have an occasional report from you
regarding her subsequent clinical course as at the present
time Mrs. [
3337] presents an unsolved problem which is not
only distressing to the patient but annoying to her
physicians.
Yours very truly, [Signed] P. H. Heersema, M.D.
6/22/41 Ltr. from Hertzler Clinic (Copy):
D. V. Conwell, M.D.
Hertzler Clinic
Halstead, Kansas
Dr. L. W. Shepard,
Larned, Kansas
Dear Dr. Shepard:
Your patient, Mrs. [
3337], ..., Kansas, is leaving the
hospital today. The cranial nerves are normal except for a
very slight weakness of the face. There was a little
weakness of the distal portions of the upper extremities,
more marked on the left. There was some weakness of the
anterior neck and abdominal muscles. there was diffuse
marked weakness of the left lower extremity. This was
associated with atrophy and slight brawniness. There was a
marked left ankle drop. There was moderate weakness of the
right lower extremity where there was also some atrophy. The
reflexes were diminished and sensations entirely normal.
There was some hyperesthesia of the muscles from the abdomen
down. The electrical reactions were diminished
quantitatively but not qualitatively. The anal sphincter was
normal. The head specialist reported normal findings. Our
G.I. man felt that the condition was out of his field. She
constantly lost creatinine in the urine. The agglutination
tests were all normal. The fasting blood sugar was 102. The
routine urine findings were normal. The blood: Hg. 80%; RBC
4,180,000; WBC 6,350; differential count showed a slight
shift to the left with aneosinophile count of 5. The red
cells stained lightly. I felt that we were dealing with
progressive muscular dystrophy, unusual in the distribution
and in the age of onset but in neither of these respects can
it be considered rare. On that basis I asked for a biopsy
and yesterday afternoon a piece of muscle tissue was taken
from the left thigh. The muscle tissue had a yellowish
appearance grossly. I will write to you again when the
section has been completed.
Mrs. [
3337] has a fair chance of improvement. The left lower
has lost a lot of muscle but I believe there is enough to
come back if we can find her to be one of the fortunate ones
that will respond to Vitamin D. I have told her to resume
her glycocoll at the rate of 5 grams t.i.d. and have started
her on Ertron 1 B.I.D.A.C. I have told her to use a smooth
diet and that she should use gelatine daily. I told her to
report to you for dressing of the biopsy wound and that she
should see you at least in a week. They closed the skin with
dermal sutures. Improvement, if it occurs, will be slow.
She must live within her strength, massage and passive motion
are helpful, she should use herself what she can each day.
I will be greatly interested in hearing how she gets along.
Yours truly, [signed] D. V. Conwall, M.D. (DVC AB)
8/02/41 Ltr. from Hertzler Clinic (Copy):
D. V. Conwell, M.D.
Hertzler Clinic
Halstead, Kansas
Dr. LeRoy Shepard,
Larned, Kansas
Dear Dr. Shepard:
Your patient, Mrs. [
3337], ..., Kansas, was seen in the
office today. She has improved use of the upper extremities,
she has a little more motion in the left lower, the right
lower extremity use has diminished. It has not changed in
circumference excepting the left mid thigh measures a little
larger than before. There will be no change in the
treatment. The muscle soreness continues in both legs. We
have sent slides to ten different universities. We have
heard from three. Our own report was muscle degeneration and
atrophy with fibrosis and inflammation. This same report was
received from the University of Iowa. The University of
Nebraska reported muscle degeneration and atrophy with
replacement by fibrous tissue. They found no evidence of
inflammation. The specimens looked like muscles from animals
that had been starved. Pathologists for the Mayo Foundation
of the University of Minnesota made a diagnosis of
Progressive Muscular Dystrophy. As I get further information
I will write to you. The above information has just been
received.
Yours truly, [signed] D. V. Conwell, M.D. (DVC AB)
10/28/43 Sister's letter: "Of course the question uppermost
in our minds is: What causes her malady? Is there a cure
for it? What treatments or medicines are necessary in her
case? Can the atrophied muscles be revived? Should she be
able to detect any reaction to the reading immediately? In
what way might it manifest itself? Will we hear from you
soon after you have given the reading? Will the improvement
be rapid or slow? Her condition has become more acute. The
muscles of her lungs are affected and her breathing is
becoming difficult. She is able to move only her head
somewhat. She still has a good appetite and her spirits are
good. She is looking forward eagerly to the morning of Nov.
3 and will be in a quite meditative mood. Thank you."
Sincerely, Mrs. [...]
REPORTS
11/09/43 Sister's letter: "The reading for Mrs. [
3337] given
by Mr. Edgar Cayce Nov. 3 11:25 E.W.T. reached us last
evening. Although these are not very promising as to her
recovery we are very desirous in carrying out the treatments
as indicated. From former correspondence we have been
assured that questions are welcomed. You will note that
among other things a Wet Cell Appliance has been indicated to
be obtained from Mr. A. M. Godfrey 2709 Lafayette Blv'd
Norfolk, Va. We should like to ask a few questions in all
sincerity and good faith pertaining to the financial part of
this appliance. In order that you may understand the reasons
for these questions, I will say that Mrs. [
3337] has been ill
for over four years, and her husband has during that period
spent hundreds of dollars in seeking help for her. He
therefore naturally must be as careful as possible about
finances. First questions in our minds is this: Do the
chemicals supplied by Mr. Godfrey require an additional
expense now and at each replenishment? Your information
seems to indicate that. If so how much is it? Secondly:
Would it be possible to obtain detailed anformation as to
amounts and combinations, so that we could obtain them from a
first rate chemist who lives next door to the [...]'s? Third
question: What is considered one application, is it a
combination of the alternate silver nitrate and gold
treatment or is each separate application a treatment? I am
a bit confused because in one instance I find the statement
'This Appliance should be recharged every thirty days'. And
in another, 'When used in solution, the solution should be
renewed - that is - changed every fifteen treatments'. Will
you kindly help me out on this problem? I have written Mr.
Godfrey and inclosed Mr. [...] check for $25. We hope that
he will send the necessary equipment without delay. We feel
that you are sincere in your desire to be of help to those
who so desparately need help and feel that those associated
with you in supplying the necessary things for these
treatemtns have the same motives. May we hear from you as
soon as possible?
Sincerely, Mrs. [...]
11/13/43 ltr. from EC to [
3337]'s sister:
Mrs. [...]
..., Kans.
Dear Mrs. [...]:
I have yours of the ninth, with reference to the information
given for Mrs. [
3337], I can fully appreciate Mr. [...]'s
position, and I assure you we will be glad to try and help in
any way possible. The chemicals as are supplied in the
appliance you may obtain in your own chemist's shop. In
fact, one of the chemicals cannot be shipped, and you have to
buy it anyway, but all of the ingredients are such that you
can purchase them in your own home place.
You change the solution of gold every fifteen days. You
change the solution that charges the appliance every thirty
days. Yes, Mr. Godfrey will send you the detailed
information, as it is not given in Mrs. [
3337]'s reading. He
will send it to you just how to put it together. He makes
it, not to make any money off of anyone, but because of the
good it has done him and his own people, he is trying to be
of help to others. He is a war worker, not a chemist, and is
not working for anything for himself in this matter. Owing
to priorities, I know Mr. Godfrey has had a great deal of
trouble getting some of the materials for some of these
appliances. When I was in New York last week, I succeeded in
getting some of the material that was to be shipped to him,
and I hope he can send this to you, in very, very short
order. I believe you will find help with the use of this.
As is indicated, there is no great amount need be expected,
immediately, but if you will be very prayerful, and very
persistent, I believe you will find some help and relief.
If I have not answered all of your questions, don't hesitate
to write me, for our desire is to be of help as often as
possible.
Thanking you, I am Sincerely, Edgar Cayce (EC/vw)
2/15/44 Membership form letter to [
3337]:
Association for Research and Enlightenment, Incorporated
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Mrs. [
3337]
..., Kansas
Dear Mrs. [
3337]:
Enclosed you will find your Associate Membership card, which
entitles you to a year's membership with the Association.
This membership expires one year from date of your reading.
Should you have additional readings within the year, your
membership will expire with the date of the first reading.
The monthly Bulletin will be sent to you during your year's
membership.
Our Active Membership entitles you to our weekly news letter,
which contains extracts from readings, along with the monthly
Bulletin, plus our publications. This membership is $25.00
per year. If appointment for a reading is made within the
year, this reading will be an additional $10.00 and $20.00
for each subsequent reading.
Associate Members are given the privilege of becoming active
by exchanging their membership card for an active card and an
additional remittance of $15.00 membership fee.
If you are interested in our Active Membership, let us hear
from you.
Cordially, [signed] Mary Wirsing Membership Secretary
(MW/mpw)
2/19/44 Husband's letter: "In answer to this letter will
state that Mrs. [
3337] has been dead since Dec. 4. During
her sickness I have learned quite a bit about Doctors and
would be Drs. healers and what not. Your association was the
last. I hope you can do some people some good and are on the
level, if so God bless you but the whole thing seems just a
game to get ones money. The biggest swindle on me was the
electric appliance our Cayce recommended made by someone up
there. A box out of wood which would take around an hr to
make would cost .75 a piece of copper and nickle a little
electric wire and .75 worth of chemicals, for which I had to
pay $25 and nearly $3 express. How anyone can take advantage
of people like that and still sleep is beyond me. Must not
have any conscious. Dear secretary you may show this letter
to Mr. Cayce." Truly yours, [...]
3/13/44 EC's letter: "I have your letter of the 19th, which
was addressed to the Association c/o Miss Wirsing. I am
sorry indeed to hear of the passing of Mrs. [
3337]. I have
no comment whatever to make on what the information may have
had to say about Mrs. [
3337]'s condition, because that you
could only decide within your own self, but the way you speak
regarding the information given about the appliance to be
used, is something else entirely, Mr. [...]. It is true
these appliances may be very crude, yet for forty years, they
have proven to be some of the most valuable help for
individuals that I have ever seen indicated in anything of
the kind. True you may feel that it is about .10 worth of
wire and .40 worth of copper and a few chemicals and charge
you $25. But, if you would undertake to get the materials
together for one of these appliances and put it together in a
way, which I have seen one of them put together, you would
find you would have very few pennies left out of $25. But,
if you will return the appliance to me, I will pay you double
what you paid for it. Count all the postage and all the
express and the hard feelings that it caused you. Will you
please send this back to me. We can use it for many
individuals who are crying for just such an appliance. Thank
you very much, and trusting that the truth as the truth may
keep you at this time. With every good wish, I remain"
Sincerely, Edgar Cayce
3/20/44 Husband's letter: "I am returning the electrical
appliance as by your request with my expression of thanks to
you. You send me what ever it is worth to you. I am working
for a denominational college as assist carpenter my wages are
small. This means alot to me to get money back the last few
years has been a continuous expense besides all the
heartaches of seeing Mrs. [
3337] suffer so if I wrote you a
gloomy letter please forgive me as a rule I am not that way.
My wife and I had faith in you being able to help her but I
guess God had other plans for her so took her away. So
thanking you again for what you did for her."
Sincerely [...]
3/25/44 Ltr. from EC:
Mr. [...]
..., Kansas
Dear Mr. [...]:
I have your letter of the 20th, and also have received the
appliance.
We are sending you herewith our check in the amount of $50.OO
and I am in hopes this will take care of the expenses that it
has caused you. I am very sorry that it has all happened as
it did.
Man may propose, but God may have other plans for each of us.
I wish you had been able to have given the appliance an
honest try. As I have said to you before, through the forty
three years that they have been given to individuals, there
have been many like yourself, who think this is a lot of tom
foolery, but many individuals who have tried it honestly and
sincerely, I don't know of a one that hasn't gotten results.
Thanking you and hoping that your faith is in God, as it is
expressed by the Psalmist, "Though He slay me, yet Will I
serve the Living God." If one can keep that sincere purpose,
I am sure His peace, not as the world knows peace, but His
peace, I am sure that it will abide with us.
With every good wish, I remain
Sincerely,
Edgar Cayce
EC/gm
Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation