Conversely, if it is assumed that the Z-radiation lies in the region of radio and ultrashort radio waves, the thickness of a m et al l i c s cr e en for the protection of patients against these radiations is easily calculated. On the basis of these premises Ipublishedaseriesofarticles/66, 67/, in the medical press, in 1937, indicating the need to provide all hospitals with electrically grounded, shielded wards impenetrable by Z-rays. These wards should be shielded on all sides from the outer environment by welded metal sheets of a specified thickness, and entered into from vestibules similarly shielded and equipped, with double doors so that the door to the patient's room is opened only after the one to the vestibule is closed.
These wards should be supplied with artificial daylight, adequate ventila tion or, preferably, conditioned and ionized air. In all other respects they need not differ from ordinary wards. Erection of such shielded wards presents no difficulties for modern engineering. For ultrashort waves the screens should be correspondingly thicker. Finally, underground wards can be built which are covered with a layer of soil sufficiently thick to absorb the entire spectrum of Z-radiation. Seriously ill patients whose lives might be endangered on days of solar storms and hurricanes should be transferred to these wards, in accordance with the forecasts of the astronomic "Sun bureau," or the bulletins issued by heliomicrobiological laboratories.
Thus, medicine is facing a new problem of extraordinary practical significance, requiring thorough study of the protection of severely ill patients on certain days against sudden Z-radiations, either by artificial stabilization of the plasma proteins, or by shielding.
We expound on the necessity of extensive implementation of prophylactic measures in our hospitals, and at the same time obstinately refuse to take notice of achievements in the related fields of science. No progress will be achieved under these conditions. The time has come to channel our efforts toward the elaboration of prophylactic methods based on the achievements of all fields of modern science.
The correlation of sudden and premature deaths with the specific radia tions discussed in this paper calls for comprehensive statistical, theoretical, clinical, and experimental studies with the participation of heliophysicists, physicists, biophysicists, chemists, physiologists, and physicians. This subject merits the full attention of government organiza tions which plan and coordinate scientific research.
In 1963 we entered th period of decline of solar activity. The next increase in solar activity will occur in 1965-1966, and it is desirable that science will have provided an accurate evaluation of the concepts and facts presented in this article, and that it will have made an attempt at practical implementations of the suggestions advanced herewith. Research in this important subject obviously calls for a well-equipped scientific research laboratory staffed with highly qualified experts in astrophysics, chemistry, physiology, and medicine.