Georges Lakhovsky and Oscillators: A Pioneer of Electromagnetism Applied to Living Systems

A visionary engineer of Russian origin

Georges Lakhovsky represents a fascinating figure in the history of early 20th-century science. Born in 1869 or 1870 in Illia, in the Minsk region (now in Belarus), this Russian-born engineer dedicated his life to exploring the relationships between electromagnetic waves and living organisms.

After graduating as an engineer in Odessa in 1894, Lakhovsky moved to France in 1897, fleeing the political upheaval in Russia. He obtained French citizenship and continued his studies at the Sorbonne, where he took physics courses while also enrolling in the Paris Faculty of Medicine. This dual training—engineering and medicine—would define the originality of his future research.

Inspired by the work of his contemporaries on electromagnetic waves, notably that of Professor Jacques-Arsène d'Arsonval, member of the Academy of Sciences and president of the Collège de France, Lakhovsky developed a bold hypothesis in the 1920s: living cells would be capable of emitting and receiving electromagnetic radiation at specific frequencies.

Many people claim that Lakhovsky met Nikola Tesla in New York City in the 1930s or 1940s and that they collaborated, which is totally false because no document was made, no photo of the two people together, whereas we have official photographs of the fathers of quantum physics together, for example.
Beware of people who spread false information to connect Lakhovsky's work to Tesla's... or to their own interpretations of history.


Example of an official photographic document with leading figures in physics and quantum physics in 1927. Neither Lakhovsky nor Tesla was invited.

Early work in horticulture: the geranium experiment

It was in 1923, at the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, that Lakhovsky conducted his first significant experiments. This pioneering work in horticulture laid the foundations for what could become a revolutionary approach to modern agriculture.

The experimental protocol

In December 1924, Lakhovsky conducted an experiment that would influence his later work. He deliberately infected a series of potted geraniums with the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens , a pathogen that causes plant tumors. Once the tumors have developed, it surrounds one of these plants with a simple oscillating circuit: a circular coil of bare copper with a cross-section of 25 mm² and about 30 cm in diameter, whose ends remain open without touching each other.

The circuit is designed to oscillate at a fundamental wavelength of approximately 2 meters, calculated using the formula λ = 2πD, where D represents the diameter of the circuit. The device is completely air-insulated by a support made of ebonite, an insulating material.

The observed results

According to Lakhovsky's reports, presented to the Academy of Sciences by Professor d'Arsonval on April 2, 1928, the observations were remarkable: after about two weeks, all the untreated infected geraniums died. The geranium equipped with the oscillating circuit survived, and the tumor gradually disappeared. Even more remarkable, the treated plant developed exceptional growth, becoming, according to the descriptions, twice as large as the healthy control plants.

The experiment spanned three years, with photographs documenting the evolution of the treated plant until 1928.

The laws of resonance applied to plants: theoretical foundations

At the heart of Lakhovsky's work on plants lie fundamental physical principles related to electromagnetic resonance. These concepts, well established in physics, provide a theoretical framework for understanding the interaction between oscillating circuits and living organisms.
As with our tuning forks and our work on the molecular chemistry of sound, these physical principles allow us to better understand these effects and how to use them.

The principle of sympathetic resonance

When an oscillating circuit is placed in an oscillating electromagnetic field, the circuit produces two types of oscillations: one natural and the other forced. Lakhovsky's theory postulates that the circuit's natural frequency and the forced frequency tend to change and converge until they become equal—a phenomenon known in physics as sympathetic resonance.

In its application to plants, this principle suggests that each cellular structure possesses its own natural resonant frequency. A properly sized oscillating circuit placed in the ambient electromagnetic field (composed of cosmic, telluric, and atmospheric radiation) could capture these energies and redistribute them according to a frequency spectrum that includes the natural frequency of plant cells.

The circuit resonance formula

According to the theory developed by Lakhovsky, the necklace circuit is a resonant RLC circuit (R = resistance in Ohms, L = inductance in Henrys, C = in Farads) whose resonant frequency is fixed by f = 1/(2π√LC). This classic formula of electromagnetism defines the frequency at which the circuit naturally resonates.

For plant applications, the circuit design must take into account several parameters:

• The diameter of the circuit : determines the fundamental wavelength λ = 2πD
• The driver's section : influences the inductance L and the resistance R
• The capacity between the ends : creates a capacitive effect C even when the ends are not touching
• The quality factor Q = Lω/R : determines the circuit's resonance efficiency

Interaction with the natural electromagnetic spectrum

Lakhovsky postulated that the natural environment is constantly bathed in a broad spectrum of electromagnetic frequencies. From a physical point of view, any suitably insulated piece of metal is capable of electrically oscillating at its natural wavelength, which it finds by resonance within the wide range of all atmospheric electrical waves.

This view suggests that oscillating circuits act as passive antennas that:

1. They capture ambient electromagnetic radiation
2. They resonate at their natural frequencies
3. They create an amplified local electromagnetic field around the plant.
4. They allow plant cells to "find" the frequencies that are beneficial to them.

Copper and its effects on living organisms: further research

Lakhovsky's work on oscillating copper circuits inspired other researchers to systematically explore the effects of metals on plants, laying the groundwork for an approach that could revolutionize agriculture.

Labergie's research in Montpellier

Researcher Labergie, from the National School of Agriculture in Montpellier, conducted particularly methodical parallel experiments on Pelargonium (geraniums). In thirty days, he observed that the plant around which the copper ring was held exhibited prolonged floral and vegetative activity until the first frosts. The infected plants without the ring died prematurely, while the healthy control plants became unproductive by the end of August.

In a second phase of research, Labergie methodically documented the variations in effects according to different metals and different plant species. Copper activates potato production, stimulates the productivity of carrots and grapevines, and promotes the germination of all seeds.

His observations also indicated that copper protected the vine from downy mildew and activated penicillium while reducing botrytis activity - properties that could have significant applications in organic farming.

Other scientific confirmations

Dr. Carlo Maxia, at the University of Cagliari in Italy, experimented on aquatic plants, noting accelerated growth of Canadian waterweed under the influence of a copper circuit.

Many botanists confirm the positive results obtained by Georges Lakhovsky on Pelargonium cancer. These independent confirmations, although requiring re-evaluation with modern methodologies, suggest that Lakhovsky's observations deserve to be taken seriously.

The specific properties of copper

Copper has several characteristics that make it a preferred material for oscillating circuits:

1. Excellent electrical conductivity : allows for optimal circulation of induced currents
2. Natural antimicrobial properties Copper is known for its effects on bacteria and fungi.
3. Chemical stability : Resists corrosion under normal conditions
4. Electromagnetic resonance Copper responds effectively to natural radio frequencies

According to the authors who studied trace elements, copper plays a role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and helps regulate the thyroid, pituitary, and other glands. These intrinsic biological properties of copper could partly explain the observed effects, independently of its electromagnetic properties.

The Multi-Wave Oscillator (MWO): technical description

Around 1930, Lakhovsky refined his approach by developing the OLOM (Multiple Wave Oscillator - MWO). Patented in France in May 1931 with an addition in February 1932, and then in the United States, this device represents the culmination of his research and a remarkable technical innovation.

General system architecture

The MWO consists of two main elements:

1. The high-voltage pulse generator

The core of the system is based on an Oudin coil (often confused with a Tesla coil, but technically distinct). The original MWO uses the Oudin coil design rather than the Tesla coil design.

The tour includes:

• A high-voltage transformer powered by the mains (110-240V depending on the version)
• A spark gap creating high-frequency discharges
• A capacitor bank for energy storage
• Induction coils that raise the voltage to several tens of kilovolts

The pulse modulator is at the heart of the MWO. The wall power supply passes through filters in a variable AC transformer. This feeds a regulated voltage into a high-voltage transformer, whose output passes through filter coils that prevent RF noise from returning to the transformer.

2. Multi-ring antennas

Lakhovsky's major innovation lies in the design of the antennas. Each antenna consists of twelve (sometimes more depending on the model) concentric circular rings of increasing diameters, made of metallic conductor (usually copper or brass).

Technical specifications of the antennas:

• The rings are open (the ends do not touch) and terminate in capacity spheres.
• Each ring has a different diameter, calculated to resonate at a specific frequency.
• The spacing between the rings often follows the golden ratio (phi = 1.618), creating a harmonic progression.
• Ring diameter: typically from 10 cm for the smallest to 100 cm for the largest
• The rings are held together by an insulating structure (wood or dielectric material)
  
  
  

Operating principle: multi-frequency generation

Lakhovsky presents his invention as a device capable of simultaneously emitting different wavelengths in such a way that, among these waves or their harmonics, one or more can almost always be found capable of producing the best desired effect.

The system relies on several physical phenomena:

1. Excitation by impulses

We use the property of open circuits having a fundamental or natural self-induction, and the ability to oscillate on a well-defined wavelength if they are excited by electrical pulses emanating from discharges.

The high voltage and high frequency discharges from the generator simultaneously excite all the rings of the antennas.

2. Individual resonance of each ring

Each ring, depending on its diameter and capacity, resonates at a specific fundamental frequency:

• f = c / λ where λ = 2πr (r = radius of the ring)
• Typical frequencies range from a few MHz to several hundred MHz

3. Harmonic generation

Rings of different sizes create interference patterns with each other, producing a plethora of harmonic frequencies at many different wavelengths.

Each ring produces not only its fundamental frequency, but also its harmonics (multiples of the fundamental frequency: 2f, 3f, 4f, etc.). The interference between the different rings also creates beat frequencies (differences between frequencies).

4. Ultra-broad spectrum

The result is an extremely spectrally rich electromagnetic field, theoretically covering wavelengths from 10 cm to 400 meters according to Lakhovsky's writings, or approximately from 0.75 MHz to 3000 MHz (VHF and UHF ranges).

Measurable technical parameters

Modern analyses of MWO replicas show:

The shape of the antenna effectively generates a greater number of harmonics across a wide range of frequencies.

Measurements with spectrum analyzers (SDRs) confirm:

• An activity over an extremely wide bandwidth (1 MHz to a minimum of 300 MHz)
• Peaks in intensity corresponding to the resonance frequencies of the different rings
• A spectral density rich in harmonics
• Pulsed waves rather than continuous sinusoidal waves

Original terms of use

In the original applications documented by Lakhovsky:

• The patient or the plant was placed between the two antennas (transmitting and receiving)
• Typical distance: 50 cm to 1 meter between antennas
• Exposure time: 3 to 15 minutes depending on the case
• Frequency of sessions: daily at the beginning, then spaced out according to progress

The patient would then be exposed to a multi-wave oscillating field.

From plant to human: the development of therapeutic oscillators

Building on his results with plants, Lakhovsky extended his research to human health as early as 1925, with documented applications in several Parisian hospitals.

The Radio-Cellular Oscillator (RCO)

In 1923, Lakhovsky designed his first therapeutic device, the Radio-Cellulo-Oscillator. This transmitter produced an electromagnetic field at a single frequency of 150 MHz (corresponding to a wavelength of 2 meters in the VHF range).

Invited to Professor Antonin Gosset's department at the Salpêtrière in 1925, Lakhovsky tested his method on patients considered incurable. According to his own reports, published in his works "The Secret of Life" (1929, prefaced by d'Arsonval) and "Radiations and Waves" (1937), some patients experienced an improvement in their general condition, with tumors regressing in some cases.

The applications continued in other Parisian hospitals: Val-de-Grâce, Saint-Louis, Le Calvaire, and Necker. At Saint-Louis Hospital, treatments were reportedly administered for skin cancers.

MWO Deployment

In the 1930s, OLOM was reportedly used in several hospitals in France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Greece. Lakhovsky documented several clinical observations in his works, including before-and-after photographs of treated patients, particularly for epitheliomas and skin cancers.

The theory of cellular oscillation: a physical vision of living things

At the heart of Lakhovsky's work was an ambitious theory that sought to explain vital phenomena through physics rather than chemistry, the dominant approach of his time.

The theoretical foundations

Lakhovsky postulated that each living cell constitutes a microscopic oscillating circuit. In the cell nucleus and cytoplasm, filamentary structures (chromosomes and chondriomes) would be ultramicroscopic tubes containing a conductive liquid, thus creating natural electrical circuits capable of oscillating at various frequencies.

According to Lakhovsky, our organs are composed of cells made up of protoplasm containing various mineral and acidic substances, such as iron, chloride, phosphorus, etc. It is through the combination of these elements that the cells detect external waves and vibrate continuously at a very high frequency.

For Lakhovsky, "life is born from radiation, life is sustained by radiation, life is destroyed by any oscillatory imbalance." This maxim summarizes his vision of life as an essentially electromagnetic phenomenon.

Sympathetic resonance applied to living beings

The way to counter this vibrational attack was to introduce a wide spectrum of RF harmonic energies into the system and then, by the principle of sympathetic resonance, each cell would choose exactly the appropriate frequency needed to strengthen its own internal vibration.

This theoretical approach suggests that, faced with a wide spectrum of frequencies, each cell type can "select" the frequency or frequencies that correspond to its optimal natural oscillation, thus restoring its vibrational balance.

Modern applications in agriculture: a promising potential

Lakhovsky oscillating circuits are currently experiencing a resurgence of interest in the field of sustainable and regenerative agriculture. This revival is part of a search for environmentally friendly agricultural methods that reduce reliance on chemical inputs.

Here is a link to download "Cellular Oscillation" by Georges Lakhowsky for free from the website of Loïc ETCHEBERRY "Permafutur":

https://permafutur.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Circuits-oscillants-Lako-1931-Électroculture.pdf

Practical applications in contemporary agriculture

Simple oscillating circuits for vegetable crops

Lakhovsky's research leads to the conclusion that there are indeed effects on living beings: they promote growth and strongly activate germination; they accelerate healing and tissue regeneration.

Farmers and gardeners using these devices report:

• Improved germination : higher emergence rate and faster germination
• Increased vegetative vigor : more robust plants, more developed foliage
• Disease resistance : reduction of fungal and bacterial attacks
• Better healing faster recovery after pruning or stress
• Extended production : extended production period, particularly for solanaceous and cucurbitaceous plants

Installation protocols in market gardening

For vegetable crops, several approaches are documented:

Individual circuits on sensitive plants :

• Diameter: 15-30 cm depending on the size of the plant
• Copper wire: 2.5 to 6 mm² cross-section
• Installation: 5-10 cm above the root collar, oriented perpendicular to the ground
• Particularly effective on: tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, cucurbits

Installation in arboriculture and viticulture :

• Suitable trunk diameter: 30-60 cm
• Permanent or seasonal installation
• Observations reported: improved resistance to downy mildew on vines, improved fruit production

Energizing irrigation water : The circuits can be used to treat water before irrigation, allowing action on the entire crop.

Electroculture and regenerative agriculture

Lakhovsky's approach naturally falls within the electroculture movement, which seeks to use natural energies (electromagnetic, telluric) to stimulate plant growth.

Principles of modern electroculture

Lakhovsky explains that living cells possess resonator systems capable of emitting and receiving information according to the same principles as a radio broadcasting transmitter and receiver system. A living organism is thus in constant communication with its environment.

This holistic vision considers that:

• Plants are in constant interaction with their electromagnetic environment.
• Cosmic and telluric variations influence plant vitality
• Simple devices can optimize this natural interaction

Benefits for sustainable agriculture

1. Reduction of chemical inputs Improving the natural resistance of plants allows:

• Reduction in the use of fungicides and pesticides
• Reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers
• A preventative rather than a curative approach

2. Soil quality improvement More vigorous plants contribute to:

• A more developed root system
• Improved soil structure
• An increase in soil microbial life

3. Economic profitability

• Low initial investment (simple circuits)
• No energy cost (passive devices)
• Durability of installations (stable copper)
• Potential increase in yields

4. Adaptability to all scales

• From the family garden to the professional farm
• Compatible with organic and biodynamic agriculture
• Easily integrated into permaculture systems

Necessary research and perspectives

Despite these encouraging observations, the field requires rigorous scientific research to:

1. Establish standardized protocols : optimal dimensions, positioning, exposure time
2. Conduct comparative studies : double-blind trials on different species and conditions
3. Understanding the mechanisms : analysis of the induced physiological and biochemical changes
4. Optimize settings : choice of metals, alternative geometries, combination with other techniques

NaturaSounds ' approach in this area is part of this applied research perspective: methodically documenting results, sharing effective protocols, and contributing to building a solid knowledge base for the agriculture of tomorrow.

A complex legacy between innovation and scientific caution

Exile and the mysterious disappearance

Faced with the rise of Nazism, Lakhovsky , who had publicly taken a stand against this ideology in his book "Civilization and Racist Madness" (1939), emigrated to the United States in 1941. Remarkable results were obtained during a seven-week clinical trial conducted in a major New York hospital and by a prominent urologist in Brooklyn during the summer of 1941.

He died on August 31, 1942, in New York City from injuries sustained in a traffic accident, under circumstances that have fueled various speculations. According to some accounts, his laboratory was emptied shortly after his death.

Scientific context and validation

The years 1920-1940 represented a period of intense exploration of the medical applications of electricity and magnetism. Many researchers, including d'Arsonval in France, explored the potential therapeutic effects of electromagnetic fields.

However, it is essential to note that Lakhovsky's experiments, although documented in his own publications, were not subjected to controlled clinical trials according to current scientific standards. The absence of rigorous control groups, randomization, and double-blind evaluation limits the scope of his conclusions for medical applications.

For plant applications, the situation is different: observations can be more easily reproduced and verified, and the risk of a placebo effect is nonexistent in plants. It is in this area that Lakhovsky's work offers the most concrete prospects today.

Vision for the future: NaturaSounds and regenerative agriculture

A bridge between tradition and innovation

NaturaSounds is committed to applied research that honors Lakhovsky's legacy while adhering to contemporary standards of scientific rigor. Our approach rests on three pillars:

1. Rigorous documentation

• Standardized and reproducible protocols
• Objective measurements (yields, disease rates, soil analyses)
• Systematic comparisons with control groups
• Transparent sharing of results, both positive and negative

2. Open collaboration

• Partnerships with agricultural research centers
• Exchanges with practitioners (farmers, market gardeners, arborists)
• Building a collaborative research community
• Contribution to the public domain of knowledge

3. Respectful Innovation

• Improvement of original devices through modern technologies
• Exploration of new applications (aquaponics, greenhouses, urban agriculture)
• Integration with other regenerative agriculture approaches
• Respect for the environment and ecosystems

Practical applications developed by NaturaSounds

Optimized oscillating circuits

Our research focuses on optimizing circuit parameters for various applications:

• Specific circuits by plant family : dimensions adapted to the needs of each crop
• Multi-metal : inspired by the work of Serge Lakhovsky on seven-metal circuits (gold, silver, copper, tin, nickel, iron, zinc)
• Improved designs : integration of wooden (beech) beads at the ends to improve insulation and capacitive properties

Systems for large-scale farming

Development of systems adapted to a professional scale:

• Multi-ring antennas for radiation coverage over several square meters
• Quick and economical installation systems
• Durable and weather-resistant materials

Training and support

• Practical workshops on manufacturing and installation
• Detailed technical guides
• Personalized monitoring of partner farmers
• Feedback and continuous improvement

The benefits observed in our trials

Farmers and gardeners working with Lakhovsky-inspired devices within our programs regularly report:

In market gardening :

• 30-50% reduction in losses due to fungal diseases
• 15-25% improvement in germination rates
• Extension of the production period by 2-4 weeks for sensitive crops
• Increased resistance to water and heat stress

In arboriculture :

• Better healing after pruning
• Reduction of pathogen attacks on trunks and branches
• Improved overall vigor, particularly on weakened trees

In viticulture :

• Preliminary observations of downy mildew reduction (to be confirmed by multi-year studies)
• Improving vine vigor
• Potential for reducing pesticide treatments

Towards a harmonious agriculture

The approach developed by Georges Lakhovsky a century ago finds a particular echo today in the context of contemporary agricultural challenges: climate change, soil depletion, increased resistance of pathogens to conventional treatments, growing consumer demands for healthy and environmentally friendly products.

Oscillating circuits and the principles of electromagnetic resonance offer a complementary approach to other regenerative agriculture methods:

• Permaculture : optimization of natural interactions
• Biodynamics : consideration of cosmic and telluric influences
• Agroecology restoration of agricultural ecosystems
• Electroculture : use of natural energies

NaturaSounds is working diligently to ensure that the agriculture of tomorrow harmoniously integrates the wisdom of ancient empirical observations with the rigor of modern scientific methodologies. Lakhovsky's work, far from being a mere historical curiosity, constitutes a valuable source of inspiration for developing innovative, economical, and ecological solutions.

Our mission is to advance this knowledge through open research, sharing, and scientific humility. Every field observation, every comparative trial, every farmer's feedback contributes to gradually building a more complete understanding of the mechanisms at play and best practices.

Conclusion: A living legacy for the agriculture of tomorrow

Georges Lakhovsky remains a fascinating figure in the history of science, embodying the spirit of exploration and scientific curiosity of the early 20th century. His observations on plants, particularly the geranium experiment and subsequent work on various crops, constitute remarkable contributions that deserve to be re-evaluated with modern tools.

What we take away from Lakhovsky's work :

1. The importance of empirical observation His experiments on plants revealed reproducible phenomena that still raise questions today.
2. The systemic vision of living things The idea that organisms constantly interact with their electromagnetic environment remains relevant.
3. The simplicity of the solutions Passive, inexpensive devices can have measurable effects
4. The preventive approach : to strengthen natural vitality rather than fight the symptoms

Prospects for regenerative agriculture :

The oscillating circuits and principles developed by Lakhovsky offer concrete perspectives for:

• Reduce dependence on chemical inputs
• Improving crop resilience to stress
• Contributing to the restoration of agricultural ecosystems
• To offer solutions accessible to both small and large producers

NaturaSounds' approach :

We are committed to:

• To pursue rigorous research with systematic documentation
• Openly share our results with the agricultural community
• Collaborating with stakeholders in agronomic research
• To train and support interested practitioners
• Contribute to establishing scientifically validated protocols
• Collaboration with the Lakhowsky private museum in St-Ursanne, Jura Switzerland

The legacy of Georges Lakhovsky reminds us that science progresses through a balance between bold innovation and methodical validation, between creative intuition and rigorous experimental verification. It is in this spirit that we continue his work, convinced that electromagnetic resonances have a role to play in the sustainable and regenerative agriculture of the 21st century.

Repeated observations by farmers, gardeners, and researchers over several decades suggest that we are dealing with real phenomena that warrant investigation. The next step is to precisely understand the mechanisms of action, optimize the parameters of use, and integrate this knowledge into contemporary agricultural practices.

Time will tell whether Georges Lakhovsky's intuitions about the oscillations of living organisms will find full scientific confirmation. In the meantime, the promising results observed in agriculture fully justify the continuation of research and the cautious and methodical experimentation of these approaches.

And for this, we are pleased to collaborate with Heinz Tobler, director of the private Lakhovsky Museum in Sainte-Ursanne in the Swiss Jura, in order to have the expertise of one of the only specialists in the world who also reproduces Lakhovsky devices identically.





Heinz Tobler in his museum