With Heil Hitler
Gratefully yours,
[Signed] S. RASCHER
_FIRST INTERIM REPORT ON THE LOW-PRESSURE CHAMBER
EXPERIMENTS IN THE CONCENTRATION CAMP OF DACHAU_
1. The object is to solve the problem of whether the theoretically
established norms pertaining to the length of life of human beings
breathing air with only a small proportion of oxygen and subjected to
low pressure correspond with the results obtained by practical
experiments. It has been asserted that a parachutist, who jumps from a
height of 12 km. would suffer very severe injuries, probably even die,
on account of the lack of oxygen. Practical experiments on this subject
have always been discontinued after a maximum of 53 seconds, since very
severe bends [Hoehenkrankheit] occurred.
2. Experiments testing the length of life of a human being above the
normal breathing limits (4, 5, 6 km.) have not been conducted at all,
since it has been a foregone conclusion that the human experimental
subject [Versuchsperson—VP] would suffer death.
The experiments conducted by myself and Dr. Romberg proved the
following:
Experiments on parachute jumps proved that the lack of oxygen and the
low atmospheric pressure at 12 or 13 km. altitude did not cause death.
Altogether 15 extreme experiments of this type were carried out in which
none of VP’s died. Very severe bends together with unconsciousness
occurred, but completely normal functions of the senses returned when a
height of 7 km. was reached on descent. Electrocardiograms registering
during the experiments did show certain irregularities, but by the time
the experiments were over the curves had returned to normal and they did
not indicate any abnormal changes during the following days. The extent
to which deterioration of the organism may occur due to continuously
repeated experiments can only be established at the end of the series of
experiments. The extreme fatal experiments will be carried out on
specially selected VP’s, otherwise it would not be possible to exercise
the rigid control so extraordinarily important for practical purposes.
The VP’s were brought to a height of 8 km. under oxygen and then had to
make 5 knee bends with and without oxygen. After a certain lapse of
time, moderate to severe bends occurred and the VP’s became unconscious.
However, after a certain period of accustoming themselves to the height
of 8 km. all the VP’s recuperated and regained their consciousness and
the normal functions of their senses.
Only continuous experiments at altitudes higher than 10.5 km. resulted
in death. These experiments showed that breathing stopped after about 30
minutes, while in 2 cases the electrocardiographically charted action of
the heart continued for another 20 minutes.
The third experiment of this type took such an extraordinary course that
I called an SS physician of the camp as witness, since I had worked on
these experiments all by myself. It was a continuous experiment without
oxygen at a height of 12 km. conducted on a 37-year-old Jew in good
general condition. Breathing continued up to 30 minutes. After 4 minutes
the VP began to perspire and to wiggle his head, after 5 minutes cramps
occurred, between 6 and 10 minutes breathing increased in speed and the
VP became unconscious; from 11 to 30 minutes breathing slowed down to
three breaths per minute, finally stopping altogether.
Severest cyanosis developed in between and foam appeared at the mouth.
At 5-minute intervals electrocardiograms from three leads were written.
After breathing had stopped, the electrocardiogram was continuously
written until the action of the heart had come to a complete standstill.
About ½ hour after breathing had stopped, dissection was started.
_Autopsy Report_
When the cavity of the chest was opened the pericardium was filled
tightly (heart tamponade). Upon opening of the pericardium 80 cc. of
clear yellowish liquid gushed forth. The moment the tamponade had
stopped, the right auricle began to beat heavily, at first at the rate
of 60 actions per minute, then progressively slower. Twenty minutes
after the pericardium had been opened, the right auricle was opened by
puncturing it. For about 15 minutes, a thin stream of blood spurted
forth. Thereafter clogging of the puncture wound in the auricle by
coagulation of the blood and renewed acceleration of the action of the
right auricle occurred.
One hour after breathing had stopped, the spinal marrow was completely
severed and the brain removed. Thereupon the action of the auricle
stopped for 40 seconds. It then renewed its action, coming to a complete
standstill 8 minutes later. A heavy subarchnoid oedema was found in the
brain. In the veins and arteries of the brain a considerable quantity of
air was discovered. Furthermore, the blood vessels in the heart and
liver were enormously obstructed by embolism.
The anatomical preparations will be preserved and so I shall be able to
evaluate them later.
The last-mentioned case is to my knowledge the first one of this type
ever observed on man. The above-described heart actions will gain
particular scientific interest, since they were written down with an
electrocardiogram to the very end.
The experiments will be continued and extended. Another interim report
will follow after new results have been obtained.
[Signed] DR. RASCHER
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 1971-C-PS
PROSECUTION EXHIBIT 50
LETTER FROM RUDOLF BRANDT TO RASCHER, 13 APRIL 1942,
REGARDING HIS SUCCESS WITH HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPERIMENTS
1174/42 BRa/V
Fuehrer Headquarters, 13 April 1942
Top Secret
SS Untersturmfuehrer Rascher, M. D.
Munich, Trogerstrasse 56
Dear Comrade Dr. Rascher,
Your report of 5.4.1942 has been seen by the Reich Leader SS today. The
tests on which SS Obersturmbannfuehrer Sievers gave a brief report
interested him very much.
For the further tests I wish you a continuation of the success you have
had so far.
Best regards also to your wife.
Heil Hitler!
Yours,
[Signed] B. [R.] BRANDT
SS Sturmbannfuehrer
TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENT 1971-B-PS
PROSECUTION EXHIBIT 51
LETTER FROM HIMMLER TO RASCHER, 13 APRIL 1942, REQUESTING
A REPETITION OF HIGH-ALTITUDE EXPERIMENTS ON PRISONERS
CONDEMNED TO DEATH
The Reich Leader SS
Fuehrer Headquarters, 13 April 1942
SS Untersturmfuehrer Dr. Rascher
Munich 27, Trogerstrasse 56
Dear Dr. Rascher:
I want to answer your letter with which you sent me your reports.
Especially the latest discoveries made in your experiments particularly
have interested me. May I now ask you the following: