Category: O

Any doctrine, principle, or practice associated with unknown forces or spirits, whose existence is cut off from most of humanity and available only to an initiated few. The word occultism comes from the Latin occultus, meaning hidden, concealed, or cut off from view by interposing some other body between the eye and the object. In…

A revised version of chemistry written in the early 20th century by Annie Besant and Charles Webster Lead beater (1854-1934) under the guidance of the theosophists’ spirit masters. The chemistry revealed in this manner ranged from the structure of atoms and molecules to the chemical properties of materials. It is said that some of the…

Father of the famous jurist of the same name. Holmes was a physician, poet, and humorist, notable for his research into puerperal fever, which was a fever that sometimes occurred during childbirth, for his work against homeopathy, an alternative system of medical treatment, and for his lectures at Harvard Medical School, where he eventually became…

Author, editor, public lecturer, and prominent American advocate of phrenology during the 19th century. Fowler was born near Cohocton, New York, and grew up in a semi-frontier setting under the watchful eye of a stern, Congregationalist father. Originally slated for a career in the ministry, Fowler became interested in phrenology while a college student at…

An odoriferous exudation from trees and plants, consisting of essential oil, gum and resin (e.g. frankincense).  

Substance which causes contractions of the uterus and as a result hastens the onset of labour.  

Intrauterine hyperactivity and increased oxygen consumption associated with opiate withdrawal in infants of addicted mothers. The syndrome places infants at increased risk for meconium aspiration pneumonia and transient tachypnea.  

One of several viruses that initially were not thought to be associated with human illness. This group includes the enteroviruses and rhinoviruses.  

An alphavirus (family Togaviridae) found in central Africa that causes epidemic fevers, joint pains, and swollen glands. The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquito bite.  

An arenavirus of the Tacaribe complex of viruses that normally infects rodents in the pampas of Argentina. It may cause a fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans.