Article March 9, 1899 Issue

Proposed Prohibitory Legislation in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island there was recently held a hearing by the Committee on Judiciary of the Senate, on proposed amendments to the general laws entitled, "Of the Practice of Medicine." There was a very general interest in the matter, and an active opposition developed against the proposed amendments. Among those appearing to oppose it were Christian Scientists and their representatives. As usual, while ostensibly general in its terms, the bill was directed especially against Christian Scientists. The following section is the one against which the Christian Scientists raised their objections:

"Second: Any person shall be regarded as practising medicine within the meaning of this act who shall investigate or diagnose, or offer to investigate or diagnose, any physical or mental ailment or defect of any person with a view to affording relief, as commonly done by a physician or surgeon, or who shall practise obstetrics, or who shall prescribe for or otherwise treat a person for the purpose of curing any real or supposed disease or ailment, whether by the use of drugs or by the application of any other agency or alleged method of cure or alleviation or prevention of disease or other ailment, or who shall operate as a surgeon for the cure or relief of any wound, fracture, or bodily injury or deformity."

Dr. Swarts of the State Board of Health was the first speaker in favor of the passage of the bill.

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