The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-06-21
MIND AND MATTER.
sLAuaHrrn. June %, 1se

H.
To THE EDITOR: In an editorial that appeared
In recent issue of the Posr-ISTELLIGEScER
under the caption, "Killed by Imagination,
reference Is made to family that had all dled,
seven in number, recently, from the fact that
calf had died from what had the appearance OF
hydrophobia, and the same cow had supplied the
family with milk, and they concluded they
should all perish in the same manner as the cali,
and accordingly did so. The COW had been DIT
ten by mad dog some time previous, but never
had been afflicted with rabies, but the calf dying
from what was alleged TO be rabies, the poor
misguided creatures thought they had as good
right to shuttle off this mortal coil in the same
manner as the innocent calf had.
In my study of the article / was further adj
monished that all disease and tumult in the
physical structure originates in mortal mind ex-
clusively. Neutrality-suspicious. has been con-
coded to be impressional in the highest degree,
and many are the unconscious victims of the
effect, either for good evil, that mind obtains
over mind.
have read of a circumstance where the death
OF q man was brought about in this manner.
He had retired to bed, and on the following
morning was told that the couch be occupied
contained cholera victim before he slept in it.
He at once developed all the symptoms OF
cholera and died, though the story was only
fabrication, intended as a practical joke, I'M
fortunately with fatal effect, clearly establish
ing the terrible potency for evil capable of being
exerted over the mind
The story of the mock trial of man for some
concocted offence, but who thought it real, his
sentence to death, the bandaging of his eyes,
and placing him under the glittering blade of
the guillotine, with all the paraphernalia of
death surrounding him; the signal given for
the descent of the knife; q drop of water was
made 10 fall on his neck at point where the
knife was supposed to enter, resulted in the
AnaHh rfSl 49,,
my memory, which clearly corroborates the fact
that the mind is potential factor in the per-
petuation of disease and death, and has more to
account for in this particular than any other
known cause.
might keep multiplying incidents manifold
OF this character, proving beyond question of
doubt that the mental condition has more to
do, as being causative of disorder and sickness
in the human family than has been accredited
hitherto.
The physician of the future is destined to be
not the matter physician, but the metaphy-
stefan, addressing himself more TO the mental
than physical surroundings The supremacy of
mind over matter must eventually make itself
manifest Physicians of this age are gradually
nearing the goal. What Is homeopathy but q
marked concession in this direction? Iencoun-
ter statement by a lady who, being q prac-
titioner in the homeopathic school some years
ago, admits that in certain case submitted to
her for treatment she not only dispensed with
the highest form of attenuation possible in
homeopathy, but eliminated the drug COM
pletely, and her patient recovered. Why? Be-
cause not only had the patient full confidence
in her medical attendant to cure her, but the
lady NJ. d. possessed the impression in her own
mind that it was not necessary in order to effect
q cure to administer drug in the treatment
The combined mental force exerted effected the
cure.
Why is the presence Of a genial, sympathetic
physician preferred to the gloomy, sepulchral
practitioner. calculated by his presence and
conversation to fill a patients mind with
gloomy and disconsolate thoughtsf Because
common sense and humanity revolt at such un-
desirable influences under any circumstances,
but especially and particularly at such mo-
ment, when all the vitality and tension In the
mental structure Is relaxed and the enfeebled
condition is prepared to receive any and every
impression, either for good or evil, that might
be brought to bear upon 1t.
1t is really not so much the body that REQUIRES
sustenance as the mind. Given sound mental
condition and the lower substratum-the BODY
will respond accordingly.
The study of this phase OF knowledge is one
of growing importance, embodying as it does
departures from old methods. The substitution
OF different mode OF treatment for disease by
the medicos of the Nineteenth century
must ultimately determine metaphysical
methods as the only safe and reliable vantage
ground from which to treat suffering and sick.
ness. 7 MARTY