Daily Kennebec journal., 1881-04-23
MODERN MIRACLES.
Some lnvestt cations by an Old-6chool
Physician into the Question, Have
Miracles Ceased:
Special Correspondence of the Hartford Post.

ginia. without the use of any medicines, and,
as the stories went, simply ..by the laying ON
of hands" One of the leading New York
dailies sent reporter to visit the man, who,
after careful investigation, confirmed
the marvellous stories of the apparent
miracles. The man himself claimed no
miraculous power. He did not know, SO he
said, hor the cures were brought about
he simply knew that a great many diseases
yielded to his touch, or were removed by his
gently rubbing the patient for a short time.
Many of these cases were of long standing,
and had been pronounced hopeless by the
regular physicians.
As medical man myself, having devoted
years of study and thought to the many
phases of disease and its treatment, l was
deeply interested in the stories of this obscure
Virginian's power. and wished to visit him
and investigate for myself but other engage
ments prevented, and lost track of him for
the time.
Recently a number of remarkable cases,
somewhat of the same character, have come
to nv notice. which have availed myself Of
the opportunity to investigate. While / SIM
cerely desired to make an impartial investiga-
tion am not sure that my prejndces as an
"Old School physician, accustomed to regard
everything outside the Irregular" profession
as quackery. NAV not have Influenced my
mind somewhat against the modern miracle
workers. Certainly if this had been murder
trial would have been rejected from the jury
on account of previously expressed opinions,
but az it was not a murder trial l put INV
prejudices on their good behavior, and resolv-
ed. if possible. to get the truth, the whole
truth and nothing but the truth concerning
these remarkable cases.
There are more things in heaven and
earth. IIoratio, than are dreamed of in thy
philosophy, must not be forgotten by anv
one who would conscientously investigate
the merits of new discoveries in the sciences
especially in the medical science.
The first case that came to my notice was
that of Colonel Thomas 4. Scott, late presi-
dent of the Pennsylvania railroad, the partic-
ulars of which shall give further on in this
letter. 4 friend who was on intimate terms
with Col. Scott, and knew all the particulars
of his remarkable case said to RE couple of
months ago: 81 tell YOU what it is, Dr. b..
that cure of Colonel Tom Scott would have
passed for miracle in Bible times. And
why shouldn't we have miracles now as well
as them"
81 don't know" answered, unless. as
Topsy would say, its cause we's so wicked"
met this friend again the other day in the
corridors of the Fifth Avenue hotel, in this
citv.
Come with me, he said, land I'll intro
duce you to the man who cured Colonel Scott;
and if I'm not mistaken I'll give YOU some
nuts to crack that will keep your old fossil
,zed regular" faculties busy the balance of
your natural lives
.'Where is he:" inquired.
Ellis Office is Just around the corner here
only four or five minutes walk Come on :"
and taking my arm, we walked down Fifth
Avenue, and, turning the first corner, AS
cended the steps of handsome brown stone
front. NV friend rang the door bell, and we
were ushered into handsome parlor.
ssDon't introduce me as DOCTOR" said;
sit might he a little embarrassing
''All right. just as You please" he replied.
Several patients were awaiting their turns
for examination. My friend stepped into the
Office adjoining the parlor, and soon returned
accompanied by the miracle worker" |
was disappointed in his appearance. | had
pictured to myself an elderly man. large, Sc
date, almost grim, in appearance. while here
was young man. not exceeding 80, and look
ing even younger. weighing | should think
about 1856 pounds, five feet eight inches in
height, clean shaven, almost boyish looking
face. high forehead, and large head. lie
came forw ard with quick, elastic step and
smile on his face.
.'Dr. Flower. this is my friend. Mr. Il.
He has heard of some of YOUR cures and v ants
to investigate. would be glad if he could
see you examine some of your patients.
DIR. Flower greeted me with cordial grasp
of the hand. and invited me into his office.
He called the patient whose turn came next
"A middle-aged, intelligent looking gentle
man. pale and rather feeblelooking.
''Mr. B. said DIR. Flower to me, please
interrogate this gentleman carefully, and see
if bv any possibility ! can know anything
about his case And prefer that you shall
make the examination on that point to your
entire satisfaction and not in my presence"
retired to the parlor with the gentleman,
who assured me that DIR. Flower could not
possibly have the slightest information shout
his case.
''He does not even know my name or resi-
dence" he said.
We returned to the office. DIR. Flower took
the patients hand, held il a short time in his
own, and then commenced diagnosis which
to me- old physician | am, the most
interesting and wonderful ever heard. lie
never asked the patient single question, but
on the contrary specially instructed him not
to say word during the examination. He
then went back TO the commencement Of the
patients troubles some years ago. and step
BY step came down to the present time, Civ
ing in detail description of the mans symp-
toms and their various changes from time to
time, and then describing minutely his pres
ent condition. In doing this he spoke. not
hesitatingly, as if in any doubt, but positive
ly, clearly and distinctly. as if he knew every
word he uttered to be correct beyond the
shadow Of doubt.
.'Mr. b. said the doctor, turning to me,
'syou are here as an investigator. and am
glad you are now do you wish to ask the pa
tient any questions:"
.sOniy one, if you please. would like to
have him state whether your description Of
his case is entirely correct"
II will answer on my honor" he said, IF
DIR. Flower had seen me and examined me
every day since the beginning Of my troubles
he could not have given a more correct de-
scription OF my case. Now, DOCTOR. he con-
timed, 'sthe one important question with me
Is. can you cure me-
mo; tell you frankly cannot cure you
and you can never be entirely cured. But
you can be greatly relieved, and your life
prolonged, no doubt. for many year.. II
I4