I am disappointed I could not have studied and contributed more, especially about Imhotep and Hypatia. I understand that it is late, and this may not provide much, but this is what I have found from the figure who I studied: Florence Nightingale. She was a peculiar woman, her logic and abstract thinking was well-founded, but her reasoning always led back to her Xian beliefs. I am going to be quoting directly from her book Notes on Nursing: What it is and What it is Not, so this may be a rather lengthy post.
Underlying Occult Messages
Right at the beginning, Nightingale proposes that disease is a reparative process, "an effort of nature and to remedy a process of poisoning or decay" and compares it to Mont Blanc. This book was written during the Romantic Era, so the comparison isn't all that surprising. If accepted as a general principle, it is immdiately met with instances that prove the contrary, so too would the claim that all climates of earth are made to be habitable by man. "Will the top of Mont Blanc ever be made habitable? Our answer would be, it will be many thousands of years before we have reached the bottom of Mont Blanc in making the earth healthy. Wait till we have reached the bottom before we discuss the top". This could be her way of implying "As Above, So Below", as is what I initially thought.
Preceeding this statement, Nightingale crticizes the Roman Catholic Church. They see no point in there being a nurse, if it does not meet their needs or serves them in any way that is not "religious". Nurses need no vow, no special accomodations, however, a nun or priest will see much of these. "But is a "vow" necessary to convince us that the true spirit for learning any art, most especially an art of charity, alright, is not a disgust to everything or something else? Do we really place the love of our kind (and of nursing, as one branch of it) so low as this?"
General Findings
While this is more so applied to the health of an individual, she emphasizes clean and fresh air. Air that is not cold or polluted and is well ventilated. "...keep the air breathed by her patient as pure as the air without." We know the effects of breathing in filthy air and what this does to a person's lungs. What about a sick person's lungs? She advised to open the windows, day and night (an idea that was argued against at the time).
She also makes a point to highlight, that although there are many things that ought to be done for the health of a patient, this does not necessarily mean that the nurse must be the one to go about it. In fact, she says it is favorable that the nurse not be at the bedside at all times. It is better to teach others how to care for patients so the same care is given when you are not present. "To look to all these things yourself does not mean to do them yourself. If you do it, it is by so much the better, certainly, than if it were not done at all. But can you not ensure that it is done when not done by yourself? Can you ensure that it is not undone when your back is turned? The former only implies that just what you can do with your own hands is done. The latter that what ought to be done is always done."
Although discussed breifly, it is something I want to include. "If you believed in and observed the laws for preserving the health of houses, and which, by the way, are laws, as implicitly as you believe in the popular opinion, for it is nothing more than an opinion, don't you think that upon the whole your child would be more likely to escape (disease) altogether?" Laws are something that she emphasizes. Granted it is viewed through the lens of a Xian, it is still applied rather well in this context. She is referring to parents whom all too often would listen to a popular rather than medical opinion. It was believed that every child must have measles, hooping-cough or scarlet fever, yet no one questioned if there were ways to prevent this. It was simply accepted as fact. Nightingale is trying to convey that if we all adhered to these laws of health, then there would be no need to anticipate an ill child.
This must be mentioned again, but in different way; in regards to not always being present. Nightingale says, "You ought to go, we will suppose. Health or duty requires it. Then say so to the patint openly." She mentions how this will in fact stregthen the relationship with the patient, as he is not anxiously waiting for the nurse's return. Reports of suicides are included, as a result of the nurse "not being there". She finds it incredible that this is true, but even more so that it is accepted as sufficient reason. Yes, the person in charge was not present, but this is not the issue. No provision was made to supply the absence. "When the sun is under a total eclipse or during his nightly absence, we light candles." So, then, what must be done? Not for the nurse or whomever is in charge to always be present, but for their absence to be properly replaced. Dependency cannot be allowed to manifest, especially in these situations with the sick. "...let whoever is in charge keep this simple question in her head (not, how can I always do this right thing myself, but) how can I provide for this right thing to be always done?"
I am particularly drawn to this part. "Let your doubt be to yourself, your decision to them." What is said to a patient must have already been decided in the nurse's mind. No hesitation can be in her voice, or it will instill fear and confusion. It is up to the nurse to be professional and collected when speaking, carrying out assessments, or oftentimes sharing final moments with a patient before their death. This does not necessarily have to applied only to nursing or the medical profession. I am sure many members of JoS who have taken on more responsibilities have had this feeling before. Being apart of the Clergy is a rewarding experience, I am sure. It comes with leadership and pride, as it should. The work of the Clergy and the Guardians is astounding. I have appreciated HP Hooded Cobra for always giving us a black and white answer, no hesitation, only the truth but with an uplifting theme. Does the positivity change the truth? No. In fact it gives us more motivation to do what we must. This is what makes a leader.
Here, Nightingale refers to the physical effects on patients for want of nature. "People say the effect is only on the mind. It is no such thing. The effect is on the body, too. Little as we know about the way in which we are affected by form, by color and light, we do know this; that they have an actual physical effect." She also correctly draws attention to how we truly take these things for granted. Those who are of perfect health, may see the sun shine through their window and while they may enjoy it for that moment, they will not go outdoors and genuinely appreciate it. Perhaps by duty to family or occupation or simple laziness, those in health do not tend to think much of these things while they have them. It is only when they can no longer stand on their own feet to venture in the woods, feel the sun's warmth and see the greenery of the earth, that they come to regret. It is unknown if she is aware of the spiritual effect of the sun, as it gives vitality, physical strength and endurance. Perhaps by these patients facing towards the sun, they are reveling in some of its energy. Flowers and light, particularly sunlight, is what a patient longs for especially when confined to a hospital for months or even years. "The sun is not only a painter but a sculptor. Where there is sun there is thought."
The next part I'd like to share is about those who care a bit too much for the sick. As I mentioned, positivity is not a bad thing, however, in this context, it is. "I would appeal most seriously to all friends, visitors, and attendants of the sick to leave off this practice of attempting to 'cheer' the sick by making light of their danger and by exaggerating their probabilities of recovery." One can certainly see the issue here. This is similar to the blind faith that xians have. Nightingale even goes on to say how many times she has had to hear a patient being told things like, "I hope that it will please god yet to give you twenty years". "How often we see at the end of biographies or of cases recorded in medical papers, 'after a long illness A. died rather suddenly', or, 'unexpectedly both to himself and others'. 'Unexpectedly' to others, perhaps, who did not see, becauuse they did not look; but by no means 'unexpectedly to himself'. There was every reason to expect that A. would die, and he knew it; but he found it useless to insist upon his own knowledge to his friends." In chronic cases, this adds insult to injury. That person may never be able to walk again, yet friends and family just love to "pray" that he will. They are in fact praying for his downfall. Nightingale insists that this patient needs a balance. Not to be filled with useless hopes nor just with the admitting issue. It is alright to tell him what is the matter, but while you're at it, don't you think it right to tell him something pleasant? This does not mean filling him with hopes for a future that may very well not happen. But perhaps about his family visiting while he slept or the lovely weather.
Next, is the need for observation. “They boldly assert that there was nothing to observe, not that their observation was at fault.” This can be applied to so many situations, not only observation. How many times have people made a mistake or an intentionally wrong action, and instead of admitting their fault, they blame others or find some way to not take responsibility? What ought to be done, is for that person to recognize that a mistake was made and reflect on how to improve. As SS, we strive to go beyond even this. We don’t only reflect on our actions but also on ourselves. What are these issues that are leading us to repeat these behaviors and how can we change these for the better?
Conclusion
I truly loved reading Nightingale's book, it confirmed to me that being a nurse is my true calling. Applying our Ethics and approach to life to the medical profession is an amazing opportunity. As I learn more about the human body and the nursing profession, I see so many parallels to Spiritual Satanism. It proves to me the truth of what we are all about: life. My studies are still not as in-depth as I’d like, but with time, I am sure that I can help a lot of people. I would hate for my time and energy put into this area of study to be wasted. I have grown so much, yet the sky is the limit. I am proud to be here, partaking in the most important movement for humanity. We are a community that seeks to better ourselves and the world around us, and that begins from within. May we move ever forward and may the Gods bless each of our steps.
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