The Nature of Substance: Spirit and Matter

What is the nature of matter? Within conventional science, the reductionist, materialist view asserts that matter is solely physical. Hauschka shows that open-minded study, based on qualitative observation and quantitative research, can overcome this now standardized view. Without denying the laws of matter, he shows the limitations of a science restricted by them, and points to new research that indicates the primal nature of spirit.

This classic work, reprinted in its original form, is the result of Dr Hauschka's many years' research at the Ita Wegman Clinic in Arlesheim, Switzerland. Through decades of experimentation he came to radical conclusions that suggested potential new directions for science. This book includes the detailed results of Hauschka's experiments―although his approach is not restricted to measurement and outer observation. Based on the work of Goethe and Steiner, he encourages a method of seeing nature that has an artistic quality, and calls for direct experience rather than intellectual theorizing.

The Nature of Substance is generally accessible. The author deliberately avoids technical terms and academic style in favor of vivid descriptions and lively discussions. His fascinating study takes in many substances, with chapters on plants, animals, oils, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, metals, carbon, oxygen, poisons, high dilutions, and much more.

This book is a companion volume to the author’s other work, Nutrition.

Dr. Rudolf Hauschka, a chemist, asked Dr. Rudolf Steiner in 1923, “What is life?” Steiner’s answer was: “Study rhythms, rhythm supports life!” Soon after receiving this answer, Hauschka was asked by Dr. Ita Wegmann to research and study the rhythms in nature at her institute in Arlesheim, Switzerland. After many attempts and a new understanding of the processes in the plant world, he produced a plant extract from rhythmized rose water, which could be kept stable for more than thirty years. Today WALA, a manufacturer of anthroposophical medicines and skin-care products, is based on Hauschka's discoveries.

Marjorie Spock was born Sept. 8, 1904, in New Haven, Connecticut, the second child and first daughter of six children. The Spock family was prominent in New Haven; her father was a corporate lawyer, and her older brother, Dr. Benjamin Spock, became a renowned pediatrician. Marjorie became a student of Anthroposophy as a teenager in Dornach during the 1920s, and became a eurythmist, teacher, biodynamic gardener, and the author and translator of numerous books. In the 100th year of her life, she produced, directed, and choreographed a video about eurythmy, followed by two short training films when she was 101 and 102 years of age. Marjorie Spock died at her home in Maine, Jan. 23, 2008, at the age of 103.