The observations made by Paracelsus concerning the dose-effect relationship of poison are generally just as applicable to health threatening vibration. With regard to kind, intensity, and duration of the vibration, the "dose" is decisive as to whether the conse quences are detrimental, unmeaningful, or tolerable with respect to health. This law of nature determines the tasks and goals of those whose aim is to safeguard health. Researchers worldwide have been occupying themselves with this many-faceted question for some time: how mechanical vibration affects the human organism and at what...