patient’s gynecologist, who used classical criteria of cancer diagnosis, had been against a hys-
terectomy. In 1947, an emergency operation was performed on the patient, but the uterus
could not be extirpated because by then the tissue had become too brittle for suture. The
patient died that same year. Reich believed the outcome confirmed his original diagnosis, but
one could not say whether the removal of the uterus in 1943 would have prevented death^9.
At the same time, the outcome was far from optimistic. Perhaps she died because the rec-
ommended classical technique (surgery) was notused on the advice of a classical physician.
Thus, Reich hit the FDA twice: the accumulator worked andhe was not against other treat-
ments for patients, notwithstanding the FDA’s repeated assertion that his patients were
deprived of legitimate treatment.
During 1955, at Reich’s suggestion, Elsworth Baker began to edit and publish the
journal entitled Orgonomic Medicine. It was devoted to clinical, social, and educational subjects,
leaving COREas the publication for natural-scientific research. Two issues of Orgonomic
Medicinewere published in 1955, one in 1956. Determined to keep track of developments in
all his work, Reich remained in close contact with Baker about the journal. The FDA must
not stop orgonomy.
In November 1955,Reich took up winter residence in Washington, D.C., living at
Alban Towers, 3706 Massachusetts Avenue. Probably the most important reason was to be
near Aurora Karrer. Other factors were undoubtedly his absorption with legal issues, his
desire to be close to the center of American government, and the fearsome isolation of
Rangeley winters. Aurora spent considerable time with him. Eva and Bill Moise often came
to Washington to be near Reich, while Peter visited during his school vacations. Reich and
Ilse had maintained a friendly relationship after their separation and both participated in any
decisions concerning Peter’s welfare.
To protect his privacy, Reich lived under the assumed name of Walter Roner^10.
(The court, as well as all his associates, knew his whereabouts.) Living in a large city again
gave him an anonymity he enjoyed.Unlike Rangeley, he could now go places without being
noticed.And even though the forthcoming contempt trial was imminent, he appears to have
sought out relaxation more than at any other time in the American period. He sent Peter a
copy ofthe program for a performance at Constitution Hall of the Westminster Choir on
February 25, 1956, which he probably attended with Aurora. Pieces by Mozart, Randall
Thompson,and Tom Scott were circled with the notation “very good.”
Reich loved the city of Washington. Its classical architecture and total design great-
ly appealed to him. On Peter’s vacations they both enjoyed exploring the city and its sub-
urbs.Reich thought he might one day acquire a home in Maryland or Virginia; Peter even
has a photograph of one particular house Reich wanted to buy.
Reich lived quite comfortably in the Alban Towers and ate in good restaurants.
Indeed, after the injunction, he permitted himself more creature comforts than he had done
for decades.He had already refurnished the first floor of the Observatory, and for Ms trip
to Arizona he bought an expensive white Chrysler convertible.
412 Myron SharafFury On Earth