John H. Tobe (–1979)

With John H. Tobe you always get a thorough discussion, but in this case it leads to no conclusions. He admits that he does not have all the answers. He does not know why the prostate is so troublesome, but who does? He simply presents theories and arguments and lets the reader decide. He contradicts himself, and then apologizes for doing so. Tobe was not a doctor, he was a health researcher. Usually a good researcher, but in this book he seems to be in over his head.

In one long chapter he discusses some of the chief causes of prostate disorders. One of them is “insufficient sexual relations.” Another is masturbation. Does this make sense? He thinks that regular intercourse is essential for prostate health, that abstinence and repression are dangerous; but then he “condemns” masturbation, calling it “vicious” and “degrading.” Is this realistic?

In Book Two he discusses treatment options, both orthodox and alternative, in some detail. Then, in the final chapter, he advises men to get professional help when needed, and to bring their eating, drinking, and living habits into conformity with nature.… (mehr)

Cataracts are vascular problems, says John H. Tobe. Impairments of circulation in the supply and drainage routes of the eye. They can be prevented and cured by nutritional means. He recommends a raw vegetarian diet. Most of this book is about cataracts, including a chapter on their various causes. Only one chapter is about glaucoma, which also is a vascular problem.

He discusses eyeglasses, contact lenses, surgery, and warns that eye doctors often have business motives incompatible with the patient’s best interests. Glasses are only crutches, he says. They weaken the eyes and are often unnecessary. “It should be a criminal offense to sell sunglasses.” He sees glasses as an admission that eyesight cannot be improved, but “it is possible to stop cataracts and make them disappear.” The prognosis is not as hopeful for glaucoma, but it can be prevented. He mentions homeopathic and herbal remedies, but nutrition is his recommended approach, plus Bates eye exercises.

Tobe was not a doctor. He was a researcher, but did his homework and writes credibly, with perhaps a slight tendency to oversimplify. He said he wrote this book because the honest truth was not available to lay people from sales-motivated commercial and professional sources. The book is readable and not too technical. The illustrations are helpful. Index and bibliography are included.… (mehr)