According to Peter Lindemann ( whom I personally view as a good source of
information for more than just CS ), adding salt as a primer results in
particles sized from .05 to .14 microns, as determined from electon
microscope photography. Particles this size, according to Peter, are too
large to form a colloidal suspension.
"Also, silver salts are often not as effective as colloidal Silver or Silver
proteins. For example, Simonetti and colleagues tested extremely dilute
solutions of electro-colloidal Silver [Ag(e)] and Silver nitrate [Ag N03]
against culture of two bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa), a yeast (C.
albicans) and a mould (A. niger). The levels of Silver ion tested were
incredibly low: 108 PPB (0.108mcg/ml) and 10.8PPB (0.0108 mcg/ml). Simonetti
et al concluded "Our experiments showed that the contact antimicrobial
activity of Ag(e) was superior to that of AgNO3 against gram-positive and
negative bacteria, C. albicans, and a filamentous mycete. Our contact tests
confirmed the excellent antibacterial spectrum and the high potency of
electrically generated silver demonstrated previously.... Anodic silver ions
are very effective agents at low concentrations without any detrimental
effect upon normal mammalian cells, and the [low] concentrations needed to
inhibit the bacteria in invitro experiments have been confirmed clinical
data." (23)"
23) N. Simonetti et al (1992) "Electrochemical Ag+ for Preservative
Use" Appl Environ Microbiol 58, 3834-36.
The above taken from International Anti-Aging systems... The opinion stated
is that silver salts are corrosive, and act as astringents and irritants.
In their opinion, mild silver protein is better than silver salts.
A further quote: "Electrically prepared colloidal silver [Ag(e)] is
currently available from many sources, in potencies ranging from 3-5 PPM up
to 500 PPM. Equally (or more) important than the silver level is the
particle size and degree of dispersion. In a liquid colloid, the Silver does
not actually dissolve in the liquid; rather, it exists as a suspension of
microscopic particles floating around in the liquid medium. Properly made
Ag(e) should contain particles approximately 0.01 to 0.001 microns in
diameter (1 micron=one millionth of a meter, or 4/100,000 inch). At this
tiny size, each particle is a cluster of perhaps 5-20 Silver atoms, with a
positive electric charge."
Also taken from International Anti-Aging Systems.
Correct me if I'm wrong ( and I could be ) but most people started using
salt in CS preparations because of an article written and widely publicized
by Mark Metcalf. That article is still widely publicized, even though Mark
later admitted that it was true that avoiding creating silver salts in the
generator process was more desireable over the quick fix of adding salt,
which only added the benefit of decreasing the amount of time of brew.
>From AHP ( brand ):
"Although there have been a number of different techniques developed in an
attempt to achieve a true silver colloid, the best and most effective method
is the electrical process since it is the only method which preserves the
necessary homogeneity, minuteness of granules, purity and stability to
create a true colloid. [Examples of other methods which have been employed
are mechanical grind, ultrasonic and chemical-Ed.]. A true colloid of silver
is composed of particles of ultrafine, 99.999% silver, electrically charged
and held in suspension in a solution of deionized water. According to the
Colloid Research Foundation, the highest quality colloidal silver consists
of the maximum number of particles of the minimum possible size with the
ultimate solution having a huge number of particles of one atom, each
carrying an electrical charge."
"Researcher Leonard Hirschberg A.M., M.D. (Johns Hopkins) says: 'From a
therapeutical point of view I need only deal with the electric colloid
metals ... Only these present the necessary homogeneity, purity and
stability.'"
According to Dr. Ronald J Gibbs, the ideal colloidal silver contains
particles ranging from .01 microns to .001. In his book, Dr. Gibbs clearly
demonstrates a relationship between particle size and effectiveness against
bacteria, demonstrating this via in-vitro experiments. Dr. Gibbs considers
safe ranges of colloidal silver to up to 12ppm. Interesting to note that
Gibbs says that a 1 to 9 ratio must be used ( in-vitro) for true efficacy
against bacteria ( bacteria:colloidal silver in measured in drops ). He
studied time periods up to 11.5 hours. Of course, in the body, the process
works differently, very differently.
After spending a few minutes researching the matter, in the spirit of
open-mindedness, I can't imagine why one would want to create larger
particles, nor why one would want to purposefully create compounds, when it
is relatively easy to avoid both. It seems like a case of reinventing the
wheel square.
As to why solutions made with salts still work, there could be any number of
reasons, none of which suggest that such a product MIGHT be better than the
more refined method. The most obvious reason is that not all the silver in
the preperation is silver chloride. Another possibility is that at some
point in the body's metabolic process, the silver chloride bond is broken.
It is obvious that more silver is consumed in the salt-made preperation.
The bottom line ( at least for me ) as I can see no imagineable reason to
use salt. Risk is increased the more silver one consumes. This is a fact.
With colloidal silver made without salt, one can consume CS for their entire
life without worry of silver buildup in the body. This can be demonstrated
by calculating the amount of silver, in grams, consumed, and comparing it to
the EPA's safety guidelines. I'm not so certain that this is the case if
one consumes silver chlorides lifelong. But, I'm certainly not going to
take that risk, nor advise others to do so based on the fact that some
people achieve good results.
Bioavailability HAS conclusively been determined based on particle size.
Just because I can't at the moment find the exact specifications and quotes,
doesn't mean it hasn't. I've never saved such information, because frankly
I've never seen it refuted ( anywhere, anywhen ). I mean, the whole body's
metabolic process is geared in this manner. It would, however, be good to
have the information available regarding what exact sizes we are talking
about. The problem is, it is not that simple. Many factors need to be
considered, including things such as osmotic pressure and what part of the
body one is addressing.
By the way Terry, everything is a suggestion to me - there is no such as a
true fact from experiential reality... Sorry, it's mainly a language
barrier. To me, planes appear to fly. A scientific demonstration is a
suggestion. Matter suggests solidity. If it involves time, it is not
real.
As far as making silver chloride a "problem"... Can you demonstrate it
isn't a problem? I can demonstrate that a non-chloride containing CS
solution made via electrolysis is not a problem. I made CERTAIN to do so
before recommending it to others, and I took quite some time in doing so.
> [What you are calling "Pure silver" is actually
> "isolated" silver. The silver I use IS pure silver.
> The concept that silver works best if not accompanied
> by other minerals is not consistent with the Holistic
> philosophy that approaches health by trying to give
> the body ALL that it needs, not just the isolated
> "active ingredient" - Terry]
You are splitting hairs, here Terry. *smiles*
It's not about "other minerals"... And you are right, good term: isolated
silver. Mineral and Vitamin suppliments largely fail. Far better to use
natural herbs or real food sources. Rather than get stuck on trying to
prove this was the case, I simply moved on to something better, once I
learned the difference. When I'm making colloidal silver, that is what I'm
doing, not trying to make a multi-purpose brew. Holistic philosophy does
not advocate vitamin and mineral suppliments. In holistic philosophy, you
take the whole, and you apply the whole, to the whole. I understand that
many practioners haven't made this leap. Of course you give the body what
it needs, I'm just splitting hairs back at ya. *s*
> [You have hit the nail on the head. But the reason to
> seek substantiation, even experientially, is to make
> sure that our assumptions are trustworthy, that we are
> not building a structure that has a faulty foundation.
And there you are completely right as well! I enjoyed your questions. I'm
certain we don't have all the answers yet, and it never, ever hurts to take
a look at ideas that comprise the foundation.
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