XVII. Knowledge of Substance as a Basis for the Knowledge of Medicaments

In the human organism, too, formic acid is produced. There, however, it has its importance. It serves the ego organization. The astral body separates out parts, which tend to become lifeless, from the organic substance. The ego organization needs this transition of organic substance to the lifeless state. But it is the process of transition which it needs, not the result. Once the substance which is on the way to the lifeless state has been produced, it becomes a burden within the organism. It must either be separated out directly, or it must be dissolved in order to be eliminated indirectly.