The 1925 death of French physiologist, Rene Quinton, prompted one of the largest funeral processions in the history of France. Thousands lined the streets, including head of states including the prime minister of France.
To understand why he was so revered, we need to look at his life. Rene Quinton, born in 1866, lived during the time period in which there were repeated deadly pandemics of cholera, a bacteria that causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. In this time period, up to 50% of those infected with cholera, most commonly were children. In his early years while studying biology, he developed a life long interest in seawater. He observed that the blood and extracellular fluid of humans have very similar mineral composition when compared to seawater.
Ocean Vortexes
However, what he used was not ordinary seawater. His decades of research revealed that there existed areas of the ocean that are natural vortexes. The use of vortexes is not uncommon in the manufacture of alternative remedies. As an example, mistletoe is often prepared using manmade vortexes, as well as homeopathic remedies. It was not until the mid 1900’s that scientists discovered the importance of vortexes. They found that the swirling motion of a vortex aligns water molecules, making the water more structured and energized, thus making the water more hydrating and easier for the body to absorb
Using a suction device, Rene was able to extract ocean water deep within these nutrient rich vortexes. Then while employing micro filters, he purified this seawater so that all that remained was water, the dissolved ocean minerals, and the effluent of the phytoplankton.
This refined seawater became know as Quinton’s plasma. Not only was Quinton’s plasma employed in saving the lives of cholera patients, most of whom were children, but was also used by the French military to resuscitate wounded soldiers in the battles of World War I. His solutions were so effective that the French government established Quinton Centers throughout the country.
Quinton’s theory was that this plasma was the basis of all life. He proved this by draining most of the blood from sick dogs and right before they expired, he infused his Quinton’s plasma. Not only did the dogs survive, but those who were present for his demonstrations witnessed that the dogs acted years younger than before his procedure.
Today’s hydration IV fluids are but a shell compared to Quinton’s plasma. That is, because most IV fluids that are used in hospital settings commonly consist of just sodium chloride (salt) and sterile water which is referred to as normal saline IVs. Rene’s discovery and development of Quinton’s plasma became the foundation of not only IV solutions, but also oral rehydration solutions that are used today. It treats not only patients suffering from cholera in the Southern Hemisphere, but also in our part of the world for pediatric diarrhea cases caused by infectious agents such as the rotavirus.
Rene Quinton’s discovery truly made a difference in thousands of lives in his day and even more lives following his death.
Terry Pfau DO, HMD