New-York tribune., 1922-09-03
E. B. O. as Dramatic Critic
Upon Barometrc Oscillations the Plays Success
Depends-The Higher the Better

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: A number of letters have ap-
peared in the last few weeks on the
apparent lack of applause on the part
OF the audience in the theaters, some
CT them blaming the actors, some the
audience.
There is good scientific reason for
poor acting, and poor appreciation ON
the part OF the audience. Electro
barometric oscillations has a great
efeet upon both actors and audience.
The amount of free electricity in the
atmosphere and high or low barometer
both contribute to the condition.
The variations of the barometer fol-
low very closely the oscillations OF
the atmospheric electricity. The cleo
tricity precedes the air pressure in
both the rise and the fall. will speak
of the two as the electro barometer os-
citations. or variations, with the let
ters E. B. O. for the combination of
the two.
In fifty years Of active practice of
medicine found that with a rising or
high E. B. o. all my patients would be
feeling better, after a good nights
rest. If the Z. B. o. was falling, or
low. I would find all my patients had
passed poor night and did not feel
so we'll.
In low or falling e. B. 0. we find
it difficult to write or dictate a letter.
If the e. B. 0. is rising or high, writ
ing and debating come easy.
With falling or low e. B. o. have
gone before my students with we'll
prepared lecture, but found that ! had
to consult my notes every few minutes
and had to force myself all the time to
find words to express my ideas, and
closed my lecture exhausted and an
noyed by the swapping of the students
watch cases. With rising or high
z. b. o. / would ignore my notes,
could speak easily and freely with
plenty of words to express myself.
Neither the students nor myself were
tired and exhausted, and not watch
case snapped.
Proofreaders iaform me that during
period of K. B. o. depression when
the galley proof leaves their hands the
proof sheet is black with corrections,
and that during a period of high E.
B. o. the galley proof is clean, with
hardly a correction to be made.
The barometer is always high when
the atmosphere is heavily charged with
.1..a~sm.4,, rSa =. pax,, ~ ays a ro,y IN =,
the atmosphere contains little electric
ity or when it is absent If the at
mospheric conditions affect the indi-
vidual, and it is evident that it would
affect the actors and the audience in
the same way, it would be easy to ex-
plain why these is spontaneous ap-
plause in some cases and lack Of ap-
plause at other times.
In the speaking theaters with a high
Il. B. o. the actors appear upon the
stage ia better state of mind and per-
form their parts with more force and
yigor. Every one does his best and the
show passes of to the satisfaction of
all. The audience feels comfortable
lis mind IS at ease 1t is in receptive
and appreciative state of mind. II ap-
plauds readily and leaves the theater
rested, refreshed and ready to praise
the play.
4 If the E. B. o. is low the aetora'
= minds are sluggish, they forget their
Hnes and act with less force and vigor
than ussaal The audience feels tired
and critical. 1t loses the good points
in the play, IS inclined 10 criticize and
ind fault. does not applaud ard leaves
shs theatsr with poor opinion Of
both the actors and the play. The E.
3 G. il responsible in 10th cases, not
the a@1rs and the audience.
IN molten picture theaters 1t il