The foregoing remarks about the bactericidal action of radiant energy apply only to bacteria in water, in cultures, and on the surface of the body.  There is much uncertainty as to the ability of radiant energy to destroy bacteria within living tissue.  The active rays cannot penetrate appreciably into such tissue and many authorities are convinced that no direct destruction takes place.  In fact, it has been stated that the so-called chemical rays are more destructive to the tissue cells than to bacteria.  Finsen, a pioneer in the use of radiant energy in the treatment of disease, effected many wonderful cures and believed that the bacteria were directly destroyed by the ultra-violet rays.  However, many have since come to the conclusion that the beneficent action of the rays is due to the irritation which causes an outflow of serum, thus bringing more antibodies in contact with the bacilli, and causing the destruction of the latter.  Hot applications appear to work in the same manner.

Primitive beings of the tropics are known to treat open wounds by exposing them to the direct rays of the sun without dressings of any kind.  These wounds are usually infected and the sun’s rays render them aseptic and they heal readily.  Many cases of sores and surgical wounds have been quickly healed by exposure to sunlight.  Even red light has been effective, so it has been concluded by some that rays of almost any wave-length, if intense enough, will effect a cure of this character by causing an effusion of serum.  It has also been stated that the chemical rays have anaesthetic powers and have been used in this role for many minor operations.

It is said that the Chinese have used red light for centuries in the treatment of smallpox and throughout the Middle Ages this practice was not uncommon.  In the oldest book on medicine written in English there is an account of a successful treatment of the son of Edward I for smallpox by means of red light.  It is also stated that this treatment was administered throughout the reigns of Elizabeth and of Charles II.  Another account states that a few soldiers confined in dark dungeons recovered from smallpox without pitting.  Finsen also obtained excellent results in the treatment of this disease by means of red light.  However, in this case it appears that the exclusion of the so-called chemical rays favors healing of the postules of smallpox and that the use of red light is therefore a negative application of light-therapy.  In other words, the red light plays no part except in furnishing a light which does not inhibit healing.