ANDERS MAGE PAGE 2.0

The institute is one of the premier organizations devoted to the study of neurochemistry in the world. It was founded in 1889 by the famous (if controversial) neurologist Konrad Böhm for the study of neural disorders and their treatment. Through the years, it has served both as an exclusive sanatorium for the rich and as a laboratory for neuroscientific research.

What isn't completely apparent is that it is run by the Sons of Ether. Konrad Böhm was himself convinced that by manipulating the electrochemical flows of the brain any mental disease could be cured. His successors (the Institute is now run by his grandson, Frank Böhm) have continued this neurochemical research well beyond his wildest imagination. At the same time the Institute is very careful about its scientific respectability and many of the papers its researchers have produced are today among the most often cited in their areas. In fact, several times Progenitors have visited and returned quite impressed with the impeccable work done here.

The Institute is located just outside Geneva (although it has several smaller offices and research labs in the city proper) in a small white building with several annexes surrounded by a pleasant garden. It is actually comfortably small, and everyone knows everyone else. On the top floor Dr Böhm and his administration resides, the second floor contains laboratories and the first floor is reception. In the various annexes the rich patients live (the rooms are airy and more reminiscent of a hotel than a neurological institute), in addition to a few more laboratories.

The research done here is all directed towards unlocking the keys of neurochemistry for various purposes. One use is, of course, to cure various diseases such as schizophrenia, depression, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's but another goal is to find a way to make the human mind grow to its full potential. Researchers have already found certain hormones that can make neurons grow more synapses, possibly increasing intelligence, and a psychoactive drug which seems to facilitate the understanding of dynamic reality for Sleepers. Dr. Böhm is himself involved in a project directed towards total control of the hypothalamic centers, hoping to find a way to control all primitive urges hidden in the human brain, from sexuality and rage to the sense of time.