As von Reichenbach was investigating the manner in which the human nervous system could be affected by various substances, he conceived the existence of a new force allied to electricity, magnetism, and heat, a force which he thought was radiated by most substances, and to the influence of which different persons are variously sensitive.
În timp ce von Reichenbach investiga modul în care sistemul nervos al omului putea fi afectat de diverse substanțe, el a conceput existența unei noi forțe asemănătoare electricității, magnetismului și căldurii, o forță despre care a crezut că este emanată de cele mai multe substanțe.