Dr. Albert Abrams : The Oscilloclast

In the field of treatment Abrams claims equal marvels. He has discovered that every disease has its rate of vibration, and that all drugs that are specific in the treatment of disease have a definite vibration rate. He has, therefore, devised another instrument which he calls the "Oscilloclast." This is capable, so it is claimed, of producing vibrations of various rapidity's. Instead of using a drug, one starts the "Oscilloclast" going, moves the indicator to the number corresponding to the vibration rate of the indicated drug and applies the instrument to the sufferer who then gets, it is alleged, the therapeutic action of the drug in question.

The Oscilloclast is not for sale but can be leased to those willing to pay the price for it and sign a contract that they will not open it. Abrams offered training in the use of these magic boxes, charging a cool $200 for a course, after which students were loaned the devices, and entered a franchise scheme, regularly sending a percentage of their profits back to Abram. By the early 1920s there was said to be more than 3,500 ERA practicioners, and Abram’s savvy business model allowed him to amass a fortune of over $2 million.

Due to the death of a man whose stomach tumour was declared cured by an Oscilloclast practicioner, the American Medical Association had a sample of blood examined by an Oscilloclast practicioner. The Oscilloclast detected diabetes, malaria, cancer and syphilis. The sample had been supplied by a rooster. Upon opening, Abrams Oscilloclast was found to contain various radio parts meaninglessly wired together. Dr Abrams convieniently died in 1924, before he could appear as a witness in the fraud trial of an Osccilloclast practitioner. Today, thousands of centres offer radionic treatment, neatly illustrating how a completely discredited practice can still find a home in todays society.