Ehrenfried Pfeiffer

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Ehrenfried Pfeiffer (19 February 1899 in Munich, Germany 30 November 1961 in Spring Valley, New
York, United States) was a German scientist, soil scientist, leading advocate of biodynamic
agriculture, anthroposophist and student of Rudolf Steiner.

Contents
[hide]

1Life

2Work

3Honorary degree

4See also

5References

6Biographical resources

7Books and articles by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer

7.1Biodynamics in farming and gardening

7.2Chromatography

7.3Composting

7.4Other topics
8External links

Life[edit]
Ehrenfried Pfeiffer began work with Rudolf Steiner in 1920 to develop and install special diffuse stage
lighting for eurythmy performances on the stage of the first Goetheanum.[1][2] After Steiner's death in
1925, Pfeiffer worked in the private research laboratory at the Goetheanum in Dornach, (Switzerland).
[3]
He became manager and director of the 800-acre (3.2 km2) experimental biodynamic Loverendale
farm in Domburg in the Netherlands.[4] This farm was set up to carry out some of the agricultural studies
of the Goetheanum laboratory. The work of testing and developing Rudolf Steiner's Agriculture Course of
1924 was an international enterprise coordinated by Pfeiffer at the Natural Science Section of
the Goetheanum.[5] Pfeiffers most influential book 'Bio-Dynamic Farming and Gardening' was published
in 1938 simultaneously in at least five languages, English, German, Dutch, French, and Italian.[6] The
following year, and just months before the outbreak of World War II, Pfeiffer ran Britain's first
biodynamics conference, the Betteshanger Summer School and Conference, at the estate of Lord
Northbourne in Kent.[7] Pfeiffer's Betteshanger Conference is regarded as the 'missing link' between
biodynamic agriculture and organic farming because the following year (1940) its host, [Lord
Northbourne], published his manifesto of organic farming 'Look to the Land' in which he coined the term
'organic farming'.[7]

Pfeiffer first visited the U.S. in 1933 to lecture to a group of anthroposophists at the Threefold Farm
in Spring Valley, New York on biodynamic farming.[1] His consulting was essential to the development
of biodynamic agriculture in the U.S.
Pfeiffer developed an analytical method using copper chloride crystallization and used this technique as
a blood test for detecting cancer.[8] As a result, Pfeiffer was invited to the U.S. in 1937 to work at
the Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia[9] While in the U.S., he continued to consult with those
interested in biodynamic farming and helped to form the Biodynamic Farming & Gardening
Association in 1938. in 1940 he immigrated to the U.S. from Switzerland with his wife Adelheid, escaping
the advance of German troops into France. They brought with them their son Christoph and daughter
Wiltraud.
With the advent of World War II in Europe, Pfeiffer took his family to Kimberton, Pennsylvania (near
Philadelphia), where Alaric Myrin offered Pfeiffer the opportunity to create a model biodynamic farm and
training program. Starting in the late 1930s he taught biodynamic farming and gardening at the
Kimberton Farm School. One of his students, Paul Keene, who worked and studied with Pfeiffer there for
two years and shortly thereafter co-founded Walnut Acres, recalls: "... he helped bring all of life together
for us in a definite coherent pattern" [10]
While at Kimberton, Pfeiffer led the initiative to found the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening
Association, and to start its journal. While at Kimberton, Pfeiffer also met J.I. Rodale, founder of Organic
Gardening and Farming magazine, and of the organic movement in the USA. This relationship gave
biodynamics a little-known place in the history of the American organic movement. Interpersonal
difficulties - a motif of Pfeiffer's life - brought to a close the Kimberton Farms chapter.[11]
Aiming to continue his work training biodynamic farmers, Pfeiffer bought a farm in Chester, New York,
where a small colony arose focused on farming, education, and the administration of the Biodynamic
Association.[11]
His copper chloride sensitive crystallization theory brought him an honorary degree of Doctor of
Medicine from Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital in Philadelphia in 1939.[4] He
studied chemistry and became a professor of nutrition in 1956.[3] Pfeiffer wrote on the dangers of
pesticides and DDT and Rachel Carson consulted with him when she was writing Silent Spring.[12]
In 1961, at his home in Spring Valley, N.Y., he suffered from a series of heart attacks, lingering for
several days, but ultimately was not given the proper medical care and died. His wife subsequently took
over the operation of their farm in Chester, New York.

Work[edit]
Pfeiffer was a pioneer of biodynamic agriculture in Europe, Britain,[7] and America. He is most widely
known for his innovative work in composting. He conducted extensive research on the preparation and
use of biodynamic compost and was the inventor of BD Compost Starter, a compost inoculant.[13] For
many years Pfeiffer served as a compost consultant to municipal compost facilities, most
notably Oakland, California,[4] as well as countries in the Caribbean, Europe, and the Far East.[13] A
technical difficulty with the resulting compost, that it would not spread readily with the commonly used
fertilizer spreader, could not be overcome and the project ultimately failed.
Pfeiffer invented two anthroposophic Image forming methods, a method using a round filter
chromatography (circular chromatography or chroma test) and the copper chloride crystallization
method,[13] developed together with Erika Sabarth. In the latter method, a solution of copper chloride and
the test solution is allowed to evaporate. The pattern of the copper chloride crystals can be "read" based
on the patterns of known samples. Similarly, the patterns of the circular chromatographs can be "read"
based on known samples.[8]Both methods require much practice to "read" and interpret the images.
Pfeiffer and Dr. George Miley of the Hahnemann Medical College claimed that in about a thousand tests
of known cancer cases, the copper chloride crystallization of blood samples was about 83% accurate in

detecting the presence of cancer, through a characteristic crystal pattern, and about 91% accurate for
the absence of cancer.[14]
Pfeiffer felt that these two imaging methods showed the presence of life-forces or etheric formative
forces[1] and could be used to gauge the quality or vitality in food,[13] such as would be shown
in biodynamically grown food. Some proponents, as well as critics, recognize that these methods are
very much dependent on the interpretive ability of the researcher.[15] Other biodynamic practitioners have
found the methods useful in testing the results of their work such as in improving soil health.[16]

Honorary degree[edit]
Pfeiffer's work at Hahnemann earned him an honorary Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from
Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital of Philadelphia on June 8, 1939 at the 91st Commencement
ceremony.[17]

See also[edit]

Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association

Biodynamic Agriculture

Demeter International

References[edit]
1.

^ Jump up to:a b c Kevin Dann, Across the Great Border Fault: The naturalist myth
in America, Rutgers University Press, 2000, ISBN 0-8135-2790-2

2.

Jump up^ Under Steiner's direction, Pfeiffer designed and constructed special
diffuse stage lights, not concentrated by lenses, that would be suitable for eurythmy
performances. He also designed and built a special lighting keyboard to allow the lights to
be changed quickly and fluidly, a kind of "color piano". Pfeiffer, E., Autobiographical
memoirs, cited in Barnes, H., Into the Heart's Land: A century of Rudolf Steiner's work in
North America, 2005, pp. 232-233.

3.

^ Jump up to:a b Andrew Lorand, Biodynamic Agriculture A paradigmatic

analysis, Ph.D. thesis, Pennsylvania State University, 1996.

4.

^ Jump up to:a b c A. W. Martinez, "The City With Golden Garbage", Collier's

Weekly Magazine, May 31, 1952. Reprint copy

5.

Jump up^ Paull, John (2011) "The secrets of Koberwitz: The diffusion of Rudolf
Steiners Agriculture Course and the founding of Biodynamic Agriculture", Journal of
Social Research & Policy, 2(1):19-29.

6.

Jump up^ Paull, John (2011) " Biodynamic Agriculture: The Journey from
Koberwitz to the World, 1924-1938", Journal of Organic Systems, 6(1): 27-41.

7.

^ Jump up to:a b c Paull, John (2011) "The Betteshanger Summer School: Missing
link between biodynamic agriculture and organic farming", Journal of Organic Systems,
2011, 6(2):13-26.

8.

copy

^ Jump up to:a b "Cancer Progress", Time Magazine, September 25, 1939. Reprint

9.

Jump up^ Naomi Rogers, An Alternative Path: The Making and Remaking of
Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital of Philadelphia, Rutgers University Press,
1998, ISBN 0-8135-2536-5, p. 200.

10.

Jump up^ DeLoach, Ethyl. 1961. "The story of Walnut Acres. Natural Food and
Farming (Atlanta, Texas) 8(5):12-13, 34-36. Oct.

11.

^ Jump up to:a b http://www.pfeiffercenter.org

12.

Jump up^ Paull, John (2013) The Rachel Carson Letters and the Making of
Silent Spring, Sage Open, 3 (July):1-12.

13.

^ Jump up to:a b c d Steve Diver, Biodynamic Farming & Compost Preparation,

Alternative Farming Systems Guide: ATTRA, February 1999. Document text

14.

Jump up^ Pfeiffer, E., and Miley, G., presentation at Third International Congress
on Cancer Research in Atlantic City, NJ, June 6, 1939, referenced in Time article, op. cit.

15.

Jump up^ William Brinton, Jr. (1997). Dynamic Chemical Processes underlying
BD Horn Manure (500) Preparation. Journal of Biodynamics, 214, Nov-Dec, 1997, p.
2. Reprint copy

16.

Jump up^ K. Perumal and T.M. Vatsala, Utilization of Local Alternative Materials
in Cow Horn Manure (BD 500) Preparations: A case study of biodynamic vegetable
cultivation, report published by Shri AMM Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre,
Tharamani, Chennai, India, not dated, pp. 16-18. Reprint copy

17.

Jump up^ Personal communication from Irvin Miller, archivist of Hahnemann

papers at Drexel. According to the minutes of the Board of Trustees on January 27, 1939,
he was approved to receive an honorary M.D. at the June commencement. The program
for these ceremonies also lists his degree as a Doctor of Medicine.

Biographical resources[edit]

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Ein Leben fur den Geist: Ehrenfried Pfeiffer (1899-1961): Pfeiffers
autobiographische Erinnerungen, Aufzeichnungen zur Atherforschung und Ernahrung, zur ... Briefe
und Aufzeichnungen aus dem Nachlass, Perseus-Verlag, 2000. ISBN 3-907564-31-6. (German)

Henry Barnes, Into the Heart's Land: A century of Rudolf Steiner's work in North America,
SteinerBooks, 2005. ISBN 0-88010-554-2, Chapter 19.

Kevin T. Dann, Across the Great Border Fault: The naturalist myth in America, Rutgers
University Press, 2000, ISBN 0-8135-2790-2.

Alla Selawry, Ehrenfried Pfeiffer: Pioneer of spiritual research and practice: A contribution to his
biography, Mercury Press, 1992.

Alla Selawry, Ehrenfried Pfeiffer: Pionier spiritueller Forschung und Praxis: Begegnung und
Briefwechsel: ein Beitrag zu seiner Biographie (Pioniere der Anthroposophie), PhilosophischAnthroposophischer Verlag am Goetheanum, 1987. ISBN 3-7235-0449-3. (German)

Books and articles by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer[edit]

Biodynamics in farming and gardening[edit]

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Soil Fertility, Renewal and Preservation: Bio-dynamic farming and
gardening, Asiatic Publishing House, 2006. ISBN 81-87067-73-X.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Bio-Dynamic Gardening and Farming: Articles, Mercury Press, 19831984. ISBN 0-936132-67-1.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Using the Bio-Dynamic Compost Preparations & Sprays in Garden, Orchard
& Farm, Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association, 1984. ISBN 0-938250-26-4.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer and Erika Riese, Grow a Garden and Be Self-Sufficient, Mercury Press,
1981. ISBN 0-936132-37-X.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Bio-Dynamics: Three Introductory Articles, Charter, 1999. ASIN

B000PIZ250.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, The biodynamic treatment of fruit trees, berries and shrubs, Biodynamic
Farming & Gardening Association, 1976.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Weeds and What They Tell, Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association,
1981. ASIN B00071HRSU.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, The Earth's Face: Landscape and its relation to the health of the soil, Faber
and Faber, 1947. ASIN B0007IXST0.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Practical guide to the use of the bio-dynamic preparations, Rudolf Steiner
Publishing, 1945. ASIN B0007K8FAU.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, The fair garden plot: Concise guidance for growing one's own vegetables,
Rudolf Steiner Publishing, 1945. ASIN B0007KD2GC.

Chromatography[edit]

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Chromatography applied to quality testing, Biodynamic Farming &

Gardening Association, 1984.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Sensitive crystallization processes: A demonstration of formative forces in

the blood, Anthroposophic Press, 1975. ASIN B00073467S.

Composting[edit]

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, The art and science of composting: Observations and testing methods: the
chromatographic method, Biodynamic Farming & Gardening Association, 1959. ASIN
B0007HK7MC.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, The compost manufacturers manual: The practice of large scale
composting, Pfeiffer Foundation, 1956. ASIN B0007G1MWC.

Other topics[edit]

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Heart lectures: Three lectures, Mercury Press, 1982. ISBN 0-936132-49-3.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz: A commentary, Mercury

Press, 1984. ISBN 0-936132-16-7.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, Zarathustrian Way, St. George Book Service, 1982. ISBN 0-936132-45-0.

Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, On Rudolf Steiner's Mystery Dramas, Four Lectures Given in Spring Valley,
1948. Mercury Press, ISBN 0-936132-93-0

External links[edit]

The Pfeiffer Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY

Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association (U.S.)

Reprint of Collier's Magazine May 31, 1952 article on Pfeiffer's composting work with the city of
Oakland, CA.
Threefold Educational Center, Chestnut Ridge, NY