International Journal of Sex Economy and Orgone Research, Vol. 1, 1942 - Wilhelm Reich - Reich Archive West Microfilm - Preservation Project

International Journal of Sex Economy and Orgone Research, Vol. 1, 1942, published under the direction of Wilhelm Reich, M.D., is presented here as a complete compiled journal volume. Sourced directly from the Reich Archive West Microfilm collection, this digital preservation project file establishes the foundational debut of the publication, capturing Reich's early laboratory shifts into bio-electrical experiments and the core mechanics of autonomic life functions. This historical record is preserved and disseminated as part of an active historical preservation project.

Provenance and Historical Source

This material originates from the historical Reich Orgone Archive / Reich Archive West preservation and microfilm project devoted to preserving and disseminating the published works of Wilhelm Reich, M.D.

Historical microfilm documentation records that Eva Reich Moise, M.D., produced the original silver-base microfilm masters in 1957 at Rangeley, Maine, with the assistance of William Moise. Eva Reich is identified as Compiler and Project Consultant, and Harold Treacy as Production Co-ordinator.

The subsequent microfilm operation was sponsored by the Reich Orgone Archive, with surviving documentation identifying the project with Reich Archive West, San Francisco, 1973.

The United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) independently documents the historical existence of Reich Archive West. The Aurora Karrer Reich Collection (MS C 580) contains an archival item specifically catalogued:

“Reich Archive West – year index and automatic title finder, 1975”

Box 2, Folder 19 — Creation: 1975

National Library of Medicine - Reich Archive West

The present digital reproduction forms part of the documented historical transmission and preservation of Wilhelm Reich's published materials through the Reich Orgone Archive / Reich Archive West preservation project.

This provenance information is provided to document the historical chain of preservation and reproduction associated with the material and to assist researchers in understanding its archival history.

Historical microfilm documentation: Wilhelm Reich, M.D. Microfilm Collection — Table of Contents, identifying Eva Reich, M.D., William Moise, Harold Treacy, the Reich Orgone Archive, and Reich Archive West

Wilhelm Reich's Discovery of the Orgone Energy

Wilhelm Reich discovered a specific biological energy that he termed “Orgone”, distinct from electromagnetic energy, present everywhere permeating all visible non visible phenomena.

He demonstrated that orgone energy influences living tissues, causes biological pulsation, and is involved in vital functions.

Wilhelm Reich developed experimental methods to visualise and measure orgone radiation, by means of the Orgonoscope, the Geiger Muller counter and the electroscope.

Orgone energy is responsible for phenomena such as atmospheric flickering, cosmic rays, and biological processes, among a myriad of phenomena not yet fully understood or incorrectly assessed.

Biological and Medical Implications of Orgone

Wilhelm Reich linked orgone energy to vital functions, including respiration, orgasm, and cell division, emphasising their rhythmic four-beat cycle.

He identified biopathies as systemic disturbances in autonomic pulsation, manifesting as various diseases, especially cancer.

Wilhelm Reich's Vegetotherapy aimed to restore natural pulsation, release muscular armor, and re-establish healthy biological rhythms.

Cancer and Biopathies

Wilhelm Reich viewed cancer as a systemic biological disease caused by biopathic shrinking, systemic contraction, and blood tissue putrefaction.

He described case studies where Orgone therapy reversed tumor growth, improved blood parameters, and alleviated pain.

The therapy involved charging the cells with orgone energy, promoting expansion, and reducing vegetative contraction.

Societal and Scientific Critique

Wilhelm Reich criticised the irrationality and mysticism in mainstream science, medicine, and politics, especially the influence of metaphysical systems.

He warned against pseudoscientific systems like general semantics, which he viewed as escapism and mystification.

Wilhelm Reich emphasised the danger of societal armor, repression, and the suppression of natural vital energies.

He called for a scientific revolution based on understanding biological energy and natural rhythms, opposing mechanistic and mystical dogmas.

Wilhelm Reich emphasised the importance of sincere, natural relationships and the dangers of societal armor and authoritarian education.

Critique of Modern Science and Philosophy

Wilhelm Reich critiqued the mechanistic worldview, vitalism, and the misuse of scientific language to mystify phenomena.

He argued that true understanding requires recognising the systemic, rhythmic, and energetic nature of life.

Wilhelm Reich opposed the abstract, metaphysical, and pseudo-scientific systems that distort natural science.

He called for a new natural philosophy based on empirical, rhythmic, and energetic principles.

Political and Cultural Implications

Wilhelm Reich warned that societal armor, repression, and mysticism foster fascism, war, and social decay.

Understanding and harnessing Orgone energy could lead to societal liberation.

Wilhelm Reich saw the fight against fascist mysticism as a scientific and moral imperative.

Critique of Pseudoscience and Mysticism

He warned that pseudoscientific systems serve societal interests by avoiding real systemic change.

Wilhelm Reich emphasised that true science must be based on empirical energy, rhythms, and systemic understanding.

He warned against the societal dangers of mysticism, escapism, and authoritarian control disguised as science.

1. Sex-Economy as a Scientific Discipline

Sex-economy is presented as an autonomous branch of natural science, focused on the study of biological energy (Orgone energy) and its role in human health, psychology, and society.

Autonomy: It claims equal footing with other sciences and insists on its own methods and standards, not subject to traditional authorities in biology, medicine, or psychology.

2. The Function of the Orgasm

Central Role: The function of the orgasm is considered the key to understanding neuroses and the flow of biological energy in the body.

Four-Beat Formula: Reich describes a universal biological rhythm: mechanical tension → bioelectrical charge → bioelectrical discharge → mechanical relaxation. This is not only the basis of orgasm but also of all autonomic life functions (e.g., heartbeat, respiration, cell division).

Example: In therapy, restoring the ability to experience this full cycle (especially the discharge phase) is seen as essential for mental and physical health.

3. Biological Energy (Orgone)

Distinct from Electricity: 

The energy governing living processes is not identical to electromagnetic energy. Orgone energy is a specific, measurable, and functional energy present in all living and non-living matter.

Characteristics: It explains phenomena such as pulsation, heat production, sexual attraction, and the difference between living and non living nature.

Example: Orgone accumulators were developed to concentrate this energy for therapeutic purposes, with reported effects on cancer and other diseases.

4. Armoring and Character Structure

Armoring: Humans develop chronic muscular and emotional defences ("armor") to block the experience of pleasure, anxiety, and other strong feelings, often as a result of social repression.

Character Analysis: Wilhelm Reich's therapy focuses on identifying and dissolving these armours to restore natural functioning.

Example: Inappropriate laughter at serious scenes or lascivious jokes at sexual content are seen as defences against experiencing deep feelings.

5. Social and Political Implications

Sexual Repression and Society: Sex-economy links individual health to social structures, arguing that sexual repression underlies authoritarianism, fascism, and social irrationality.

Historical Evidence: Ethnological studies (e.g., Malinowski's work on the Trobrianders) are cited to show that sexual self-regulation and different family structures are possible and healthier.

Example: The prevalence of cancer and neuroses is seen as a result of widespread sexual repression and the failure of mechanistic medicine to address the root causes.

6. Functionalism vs. Mechanistic Science

Critique of Mechanism: 

Mechanistic science is criticised for ignoring the living, dynamic aspects of organisms and for splitting mind and body.

7. Therapeutic Cautions

Risks of Untrained Application: The document warns against the untrained use of sex-economic methods, as breaking down armoring can lead to dangerous psychological and physical reactions if not handled by experienced therapists.

Example: Only those who have mastered their own armoring and undergone intensive training should attempt to apply these techniques.

Summary Table of Key Concepts:

1. Orgone Accumulator Therapy for Cancer Patients

Description: Patients sit in an orgone accumulator, an enclosure constructed with alternating layers of organic and metallic materials designed to concentrate Orgone energy. The energy is absorbed by the patient's body through skin and respiration.

Mechanism:

The Orgone energy charges living tissues, causing expansion of the autonomic nerves(vagotonia), counteracting the chronic contraction (sympatheticotonia) seen in cancer and other biopathies.

Case Example:

A woman with advanced metastatic breast cancer, severe anemia, and pain underwent daily sessions in the Orgone accumulator.

Observed Effects:

Redness of the skin, warm perspiration, and subjective sensations of "filling up" or "something clearing up in my body."

Reduction in pain during and after sessions, improved sleep, and increased vitality.

Haemoglobin levels rose from 35% to 85% over three weeks, and Xrays showed ossification of previously cancerous bone lesions.

The patient regained mobility, resumed daily activities, and experienced a period free from cancer pain and tumours.

2. Vegetotherapy (Body-Oriented Psychotherapy) Enhanced by Orgone Energy

Description: Vegetotherapy involves working directly with the patient's muscular and autonomic responses to dissolve chronic armoring and restore natural pulsation. Orgone energy is used to amplify these effects.

Mechanism: By charging the organism with Orgone energy, vegetotherapy aims to restore the natural rhythm of expansion and contraction (pulsation) in the body, which is essential for emotional and physical health.

Case Example:

Release of muscular spasms through eliciting gag reflexes, clonic contractions, and deep breathing.

Restoration of pleasurable sensations and reduction of anxiety.

Temporary elimination of paralysis and improved mobility.

The patient experienced cathartic emotional releases and a sense of relief after sessions.

In the treatment of a patient with severe muscular rigidity, anxiety, and paralysis, vegetotherapy combined with orgone exposure led to:

3. Orgone Therapy for Depression and Psychosomatic Disorders

Description: Orgone energy is used as an adjunct to psychotherapy for patients with depression, anxiety, and psychosomatic complaints.

Mechanism: The therapy aims to vitalise the organism, reduce vegetative deadness, and restore emotional responsiveness.

Case Example:

Gradual return of emotional responsiveness and interest in life.

Improved body awareness and reduction of depressive symptoms.

Increased capacity for pleasure and spontaneous movement.

A patient with chronic depression and lack of sexual interest underwent characteranalytic Vegetotherapy, with attention to breathing and body sensations. Exposure to orgone energy was used to enhance the effects.

4. Objective Measurements and Biological Effects

Experimental Findings:

Orgone energy was shown to charge red blood cells, increasing their resistance to destruction and improving blood quality in cancer patients.

Biological tests demonstrated that after orgone therapy, blood cultures shifted from pathological (T-bacilli) to healthy (bionous) reactions.

Patients reported objective improvements in well-being, reduction of pain, and increased vitality.

Safety and Training:

The documents emphasise that only trained practitioners should apply Orgone therapy, as improper use can lead to psychological or physical risks.

Summary Table: Orgone Energy Applications in Therapy

These examples illustrate how the Orgone Energy Radiation was applied in therapy, with documented case studies and specific therapeutic protocols. The approach is holistic, targeting both physical and emotional health through the restoration of natural energy flow and pulsation.