Readers would be well advised to remain skeptical before swallowing the water peddled by Dr. Masura Emoto [“Message in a Bottle,” the Rakish Angle, June]. Dr. Emoto has no scientific or medical credentials; his title refers to a degree from the Open International University in India, where such degrees may be obtained by mail for under $500. Chemists knows that water has unusual and unique properties that result from the tendency of its molecules to associate by hydrogen bonding, forming short-lived and ever-changing polymeric units that are sometimes described as “clusters.” The snowflake patterns are the result of crystallization of the water on some contaminant such as a speck of dust, and are highly dependent on the local conditions and rate of cooling. Yep, at the core of each of Dr. Emoto’s snowflakes is a speck of filth. The learned professor’s photographs of ice crystals are wonderful, but anyone who has seen the beautiful, intricate patterns of frost on a windowpane could attest to this. Dr. Emoto, however, makes the dubious claim that words, music, and prayer can somehow affect the crystallization of water, and that this modified water can somehow cure whatever ails you. He, of course, provides no proof for his claims, although they could be easily tested. These tests have not been done, because they would fail to support Dr. Emoto’s claims. So where is the harm? First, it separates people from their money. Like the snake oils and other nostrums that have been peddled to an unsuspecting public for centuries, much is promised, but nothing is delivered. More important, there are many who would take unproven or useless “cures” and forsake treatments whose efficacy has been proven. Before using any unproven or “alternative” treatment, I would advise readers to consult Dr. Steven Barrett’s guide at www.quackwatch.com. Information regarding specific water cures and other water-related pseudoscience can be found at http://www.chem1.com/CQ/.
Kent S. Kokko, Ph.D
Roseville
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