The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-28

tian Science statistics with those given by the report of the state department of health for the same period. During the year September 1, 1905-'06, 129. .S3S people in New York died under medical treatment, making a rate of 17.3 per one thousand of population. The mortality rate among Christian Science patients is 3s2 in the number of cases treated. Also it must be noted that the Christian Science popula- tion as cited is technically a hospital pop ulation every unit was sick person, and 1t must also be borne in mind that in the case of nearly every death the patient was almost despaired of when the treat ment of Christian Science began. In view of this the comparison in favor of Chris tian Science treatment challenges atten- tion
 Attitude Toward Physicians.
 "The names of the attendant physicians in the statements include many of the most prominent surgeons and specialists in New York and America, as well as in London, Paris. Berlin, Vienna, Goettingen and Stockholm. The number averages about five physicians to each case, rang ing from one to as many as eighteen. In practically every case, however, the atti- tude of the patient toward the physician is only one of high regard and sincere af- lection. Many of the statements refer pointedly to this feeling. Materia medica and surgery are freely and harshly crit icised and condemned, but everywhere the doctor is recognized as an earnest com rade in arms, battling shoulder to shoui-
 
 known means to aid recovery. In many cases the physicians were apparently warm personal friends of the patients. Indeed, judging from the records, seldom does the Christian Scientist show any ap- parent hostility to his physician. As one invalid testified: did not give up my doctors; they gave me up."
 There are other indications besides Christian Science, that the trend of the day is toward the mind as a power in healing. Medical science is recognizing this factor more than ever. A Chicago physician, an instance, has just pub lished book in which he ascribes all dis eases as of mental causation. Another recent volume by Dr. c. W. Saleeby. en- titled Worry the Disease of the Age has caused widespread comment in Eng land. Some passages in the book are perhaps, open to question-it is customary for the ardent scientist to carry his theories too far-but many passages are startling enough, and all in all the book is quite convincing and at least very brac- ing. Peace of mind says pr. Saleeby, is the sine qua non of health. Fear and worry beget and attract disease Even infectious diseases tend to seize upon those who fear them and to pass over those who keep their flag flying The use, he insists, of alcohol, opium, CO., caine, morphia, chloral and other stimu- 1ants, is not due to the victims taste so much as the overwhelming desire for peace of mind. And this eminent au- thority concludes It is certain-beyond qestion-that true religion is a cure for worry and utterly incomparable in its power of performing these functions
 '"The question so often asked: What has occasioned the remarkable growth of Christian Science? finds a hinted answer in these statements and accredited re- ports in the New York record.
 ''In every cure the patient turned to Christian Science as a hope of relief from pain and debility. In many cases. as has been pointed out, this was done when life or health was despaired of. In many cases the patient was prompted to make the trial because of some cure of which he had heard. In other cases friends in- duced him to try the new faith: in some instances he had simply read of Christian Science'