“In order better to understand the significance of the law of octaves it is necessary to have a clear idea of another property of vibrations, namely the so-called ‘inner vibrations.’ This means that within vibrations other vibrations proceed, and that every octave can be resolved into a great number of INNER OCTAVES. Fragments: Seven

“Each note of these INNER OCTAVES again contains a whole octave and so on, for some considerable way, but not ad infinitum, because there is a definite limit to the development of INNER OCTAVES. Fragments: Seven

“These are the INNER OCTAVES. Fragments: Seven

“The study of INNER OCTAVES, the study of their relation to outer octaves and the possible influence of the former upon the latter, constitute a very important part of the study of the world and of man.” Fragments: Seven

“I will cite you one example only — music. Objective music is all based on ‘INNER OCTAVES.’ And it can obtain not only definite psychological results but definite physical results. There can be such music as would freeze water. There can be such music as would kill a man instantaneously. The Biblical legend of the destruction of the walls of Jericho by music is precisely a legend of objective music. Plain music, no matter of what kind, will not destroy walls, but objective music indeed can do so. And not only can it destroy but it can also build up. In the legend of Orpheus there are hints of objective music, for Orpheus used to impart knowledge by music. Snake charmers’ music in the East is an approach to objective music, of course very primitive. Very often it is simply one note which is long drawn out, rising and falling only very little; but in this single note ‘INNER OCTAVES’ are going on all the time and melodies of ‘INNER OCTAVES’ which are inaudible to the ears but felt by the emotional center. And the snake hears this music or, more strictly speaking, he feels it, and he obeys it. The same music, only a little more complicated, and men would obey it. Fragments: Fourteen