Niobium Proving - Vancouver Homeopathic Academy

244 Pages·2009·1.44 MB·English

by  Kim Boutilier

NIOBIUM METALLICUM VANCOUVER PROVING APRIL, 2004
Vancouver Homeopathy Academy, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
School Director: Murray Feldman, MCH, RSHom, CCH
Proving Coordinator: Dr. Lianne South, DC, ND, DHANP, CCH, RSHom (NA)
Supervisor Directors: Allyson Burden and Tamara Pearl (Exit Meeting Notes
taken by Tamara Pearl)
Supervisors: Carol-Anne Bickerstaff, Krista Brown, Catherine Dean, Leslie
Lewis, Bonnie Pennell, Nicole Planek, Donna Powers, Barbara Roberts,
Louise Rollard, Lora Roy, Tami De Santos, Pat Walker
Compilation and Introduction by Linda F.G. Miller, Fourth Year Final
Project, 2006/07
INTRODUCTION
Connections lit up my mind following the proving exit meeting as Laurie
Dack described the diffuse boundaries theme of Phosphorus to our first year
class. Niobium also had boundary themes though more intense and
destructive than Phosphorus. Searching for more patterns, I located these
two elements on the periodic table. Though in different columns and rows, I
noticed a relationship between their atomic weights: the atomic weight of
Niobium is 92.906. This is almost exactly three times the atomic weight of
Phosphorus at 30.973. Delight in pattern thinking, blended with my newly
acquired vision of homeopathy from inside a proving, sealed my
commitment to this healing art.
Niobium is found in Group Five, Period Five of the periodic table. As a
transition metal, it is in the sub-series Lanthanides, according to Dr. Ramesh
Jain and Dr. Smita Tridevi. Though the Lanthanides are known as part of the
gold series by homeopaths, it is interesting that both silver and gold series
are transition metals in the sub-series Lanthanides. Perhaps we can consider
some common themes in this broader grouping as well as themes of the
silver and gold series individually. Niobium physically facilitates electrical
connections. Blue-green in colour, it is used in cathodes and capacitors
(electronics), camera lenses, computer screens, and chemical processing
equipment. Niobium in the “silver series” of the periodic table has an
affinity for artists, according to Dr. Jan Scholten. In society the artist
historically challenges moral, social and aesthetic boundaries while reflecting
our consciousness back to us in their work. Prover number six, a classical
singer, encountered the proving as she was coming to terms with a failed
career. Niobium reached deeply into all aspects of her creativity, including
her children.
Niobe, Queen of Thebes, for whom the element is named, lost all fourteen of
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her children upon challenging her people’s worship of Latona, mother of
Apollo and Diana. Appearing amongst the crowd, resplendent with gold and
gems, she asked her subjects why they would worship an unseen goddess
when her splendor was clearly visible and as worthy. The vengeful goddess
killed her seven sons and seven daughters and turned her to stone. Niobe’s
breach of boundary resulted in complete destruction for herself and her
descendants.
There appears to be a correlation between the rise of AIDS and the rise of
anonymous, boundary-less, global communication created by the Internet.
Destruction of the immune system, the body’s life-maintaining boundary, is
the action of the HIV virus. Dr. Peter Fraser, lecturing in Calgary, Alberta,
Canada in April of 2007, spoke of the Lanthanides as belonging the AIDS
miasm, drawing parallels to electronic man. Dr. Jan Scholten’s recent work
on the Lanthanides has found treatment for AIDS in these new remedies. The
beginnings of the Internet were operational by June of 1983 when the U.S.
National Science Foundation built a university network. It was around this
time when the ravaging of the gay population by AIDS gained media
attention.
Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan chose the insightful phrase "global
village" to highlight his observation that an electronic nervous system (the
media) was rapidly integrating the planet. Events in one part of the world
could be experienced from other parts in real-time. He writes, in 1964 in
Understanding Media, “Today, after more than a century of electric technology,
we have extended our central nervous system itself in a global embrace,
abolishing both space and time as far as our planet is concerned.” Jet and
space travel, satellite communication, cell phones, international trade and
telepathic communication further alter boundaries of time and space as
human endeavour, folly and disease evolve with and beyond technology.
Echoes of Niobe’s loss are found in this proving in dreams of saving children
in danger, abuse of children, and detached witnessing of children being
harmed. Other themes include fast-paced journeys and dwellings with
endless rooms and portholes to foreign places. Past and future fold into the
present in resolution of old hurts. Connection is desired with others, even to
dissolve into one another in embrace. Sexual dreams involve prostitution,
voyeurism, infidelity, violence, and psychic invasion. Drugs and crime
accompany violation of person. Provers experienced floods from bursting
water pipes and dreamt of rivers breaching their banks. Expanding and
bursting sensations caused one prover to fear stroke for months after the
proving. Time and space appear altered. Mysticism, creativity and
synchronicity are harbingers of expanded consciousness.
During the process of compiling this proving I have observed patterns
between AIDS and the boundary-dissolving electronic age on a miasmatic
scale. Niobium is a remedy for these modern times as boundaries of outer
and inner world become increasingly indistinct. It is my hope that this
proving will serve to increase our understanding of these global connections.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Poetry 5
Setting for the Proving/The Proving 6
Natural History: Niobium, the Element 7
Atomic Structure of Niobium 7
Chemical Properties of Niobium 8
Physical Properties of Niobium 8
Raw Materials 10
Extraction and Refining 11
Applications for Niobium 12
Jan Scholten on Niobium 13
Transition Elements and Lanthanides 19
Pre-Proving 24
In Class Following the Proving Exit Meeting 24
Aramaic Lord’s Prayer 25
Mind (Themes) 26
Dreams (Themes) 43
Vertigo 77
Head 77
Eyes 79
Vision 80
Ear 80
Hearing 81
Nose 81
Face 81
Mouth 82
Teeth 83
Throat 84
Stomach 84
Abdomen 85
Bladder 86
Urine 86
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Rectum 86
Stool 87
Female 87
Respiratory Organs 89
Cough 89
Expectoration 89
Larynx and Trachea 90
Chest 90
Back 91
Extremities 92
Sleep 95
Fever/Heat 97
Skin 97
Generalities 98
Prover Number One 102
Prover Number Two 110
Prover Number Three 127
Prover Number Four 139
Prover Number Five 143
Prover Number Six 148
Prover Number Seven 168
Prover Number Eight 170
Prover Number Nine 176
Prover Number Ten 182
Prover Number Eleven 193
Prover Number Twelve 201
APPENDIX I – LIST OF NIOBIUM RUBRICS
APPENDIX II – RUBRICS FROM MACREPERTORY

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POETRY

DIALOGUE WITH ECCLESIA Linda F.G. Miller
(Inspired by the writings of Hildegard of Bingen)
A fiery dragon curses this green and flowing place, drying it up,
evaporating life and hope.

How will I tame or catch this powerful illusion?
Fame and pride, greed and lust are its life-blood.

In humility, you shall diminish him;
In quiet his fire will reduce to a benign spark, harmless.
Ecclesia will pour Her gentle healing waters on you;
She will wash you clean in her blue-green, cool seas;
You’ll remember your true self.

How will She come, where will She find me in this place?

In the moment you open your heart and ask Her to come to you,
She will attend, and stay as long as you choose.

Ecclesia came in Her blue-diamond gown, crowned in stars, gleaming the
sun’s rays, with all of Creation’s flora and fauna swirling at Her feet forming
her veil and train that stretched to eternity.
In Her presence my heart was cleansed, my thoughts stilled.
My false pursuits came crashing down like the shedding of armourous skin.

Unveiled, I stood in wonder at the marvelous, green pulsing of Creation that
matched the rhythm of my beating heart.

I humbly lifted my throat to heaven and sang my soul’s perfect song.

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THE SETTING FOR THE PROVING

The initial meeting for the proving was held following class at the Vancouver
Homeopathy Academy on the University of British Columbia campus on
Sunday, March 14, 2004. The school was temporarily housed in a portable at
that time, as extensive renovations to the main building housing the School of
Theology were incomplete. The concept of unfinished projects comes up
prominently throughout the proving. The writing up of the proving began in
July of 2006, ending over two years of waiting as an unfinished project in the
busy office of the proving coordinator. Reports from one prover and some of
the supervisors went missing. In spite of this, journals from twelve provers
provide us with a wealth of information on Niobium metallicum.

THE PROVING

Helios Pharmacy, Tunbridge Wells, England, prepared the remedy. The
potency given to all provers was 30C; none were given placebo. Thirteen
women participated in the proving. Eight were from the Vancouver area, one
from Gabriola Island, BC, one from Edmonton, AB, one from Seattle, WA,
and one from Calgary, AB.
The proving was triple blind, the remedy having been chosen by the Director
of the Vancouver Homeopathy Academy, Murray Feldman. Dr. Lianne South
coordinated the proving. All the provers were supervised. Supervisors
reported to Supervisor Directors, Allyson Burden and Tamara Pearl. Provers
were instructed to take one dose of the remedy on the evening of Sunday,
March 28, 2004, two to three pellets dissolved under the tongue. If no
symptoms since the start of the proving, they were advised by their
supervisors to take a second dose of the remedy at bedtime on the following
evening, Monday, March 29, 2004. A third and final dose was to be taken on
the evening of Tuesday, March 30, 2004 if no new symptoms had developed.
No more remedy was to be taken after the third dose. Journaling continued
through the proving exit meeting on Saturday, April 17, 2004.

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NATURAL HISTORY: NIOBIUM, THE ELEMENT

Columbium and niobium are synonymous names for the chemical element
with atomic number 41. It is in Group 5, period 5 in the transition metals.
The transition metals include all elements in the sub-series Lanthanides and
Actinides of the inner-transition elements and at least part of the sub-series
Transactinides, which are the elements following the Actinides series. In
general these elements are known for their hardness, high density, high
melting point and boiling point and heat conduction although there are
exceptions. These elements all have a d electron as the differentiating
electron in their electron configuration. In other words, their outer most
electrons are always in the d orbital.

ATOMIC STRUCTURE OF NIOBIUM

Atomic Radius: 2.08Å
Atomic Volume: 10.87cm3/mol
Covalent Radius: 1.34Å
Cross Section: 1.15barns ±0.05
Crystal Structure: Cubic body centered
Electron Configuration:
1s2 2s2p6 3s2p6d10 4s2p6d4 5s1
Electrons per Energy Level: 2,8,18,12,1
Shell Model
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Ionic Radius: 0.69Å
Filling Orbital: 4d 4
Number of Electrons (with no charge): 41
Number of Neutrons (most common/stable nuclide): 52
Number of Protons: 41
Oxidation States: 5,3
Valence Electrons: 4d 4 5s 1
Electron Dot Model

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF NIOBIUM
Electrochemical Equivalent: 0.69327g/amp-hr
Electron Work Function: 4.3eV
Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.6
Heat of Fusion: 26.4kJ/mol
Incompatiblities: (none listed)
Ionization Potential
First: 6.88
Second: 14.32
Third: 25.04
Valence Electron Potential (-eV): 104

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF NIOBIUM
Note: temperature and pressure sensitive calculations are based on normal
temperature and pressure (20°C @ 1atm).
Atomic Mass Average: 92.90638
Boiling Point: 5017K 4744°C 8571°F
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion:
7.31E-06cm/cm/°C (0°C)
Conductivity
Electrical: 0.0693 106/cm
Thermal: 0.537 W/cmK
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Density: 8.57g/cc @ 300K
Description:
Shiny white soft transition metal.
Elastic Modulus:
Bulk: 170/GPa
Rigidity: 38/GPa
Youngs: 105/GPa
Enthalpy of Atomization: 745 kJ/mole @ 25°C
Enthalpy of Fusion: 27.2 kJ/mole
Enthalpy of Vaporization: 696.6 kJ/mole
Flammablity Class:
Freezing Point: see melting point
Hardness Scale
Brinell: 736 MN m-2
Mohs: 6
Vickers: 1320 MN m-2
Heat of Vaporization: 682kJ/mol
Melting Point: 2741K 2468°C 4474°F
Molar Volume: 10.84 cm3/mole
Physical State (at 20°C & 1atm): Solid
Specific Heat: 0.26J/gK
Vapor Pressure = 0.0755Pa@2468°C
Regulatory / Health
CAS Number: 7440-03-1
OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
No limits set by OSHA
OSHA PEL Vacated 1989
No limits set by OSHA
NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL)
No limits set by NIOSH 1
1 www.environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/chemistry/dictionary/T02.html#
Transition%20Metals

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Columbium was the name given to this element in 1801 by its English
discoverer, Charles Hatchet. Niobium (Nb) was the name officially designated
by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry in 1950. Niobium,
in the form of ferroniobium is used worldwide, mostly as an alloying element
in steels and in superalloys. Appreciable amounts of columbium in the form
of high-purity ferroniobium and nickel niobium are used in nickel, cobalt,
and iron-base superalloys for such applications as jet engine components,
rocket subassemblies, and heat resisting and combustion equipment. 2

RAW MATERIALS
The following information on raw materials, refining and applications is reprinted with
permission from the Tantalum-Niobium International Study Center website.
The primary mineral from which niobium is obtained is known as
pyrochlore. The world's largest deposit is located in Araxá, Brazil and is
owned by Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM). The
reserves are enough to supply current world demand for about 500 years,
about 460 million tons. The mining of weathered ore, running between 2.5
and 3.0% Nb O , is conducted by simple open pit mining without the need for
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drilling and explosives.
Approximately 85 to 90% of the niobium industry obtains its niobium ores
from sources other than those associated with the mining of tantalum-
containing ores. Another pyrochlore mine in Brazil is owned and operated by
Anglo American Brasil Mineração Catalão and contains 18 million tonnes at
1.34% niobium oxide. The third major deposit of pyrochlore being actively
mined is the Niobec Mine in Quebec, Canada, owned by Cambior, with
reserves of 18,000 tonnes. In all three facilities, the pyrochlore mineral is
processed by primarily physical processing technology to give a concentrate
ranging from 55 to about 60% niobium oxide. These three companies produce
about 85% of the world's demand for niobium products, with most of that
output being in the form of ferro-niobium with a nominal 60% niobium oxide
content, for making high strength, low-alloy steel. Columbite, a mineral with
a ratio of Nb O :Ta O ranging from 10:1 to 13:1, occurs in Brazil, Nigeria, and
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Australia, also other countries in central Africa. Niobium is recovered when
the ores are processed for tantalum. Niobium is also found, in very small
quantities, in the slags produced from the smelting of some tin ore.
2 U.S. Department of the Interior: U.S. Geological Survey Mineral
Information URL: http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mit/index.html
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