Editorial March 14, 1901 Issue

Legislation in New York

Editor

The much discussed Bell Bill, presented in the Assembly branch of the New York State legislature, which is said to be aimed at the suppression of Christian Science practice, is still apparently undecided. The bill was framed for, or by, the New York County Medical Society, and has received the able opposition of such well-known public men as Judge Charles Z. Lincoln of Albany, who has been the constitutional adviser to the governors of the state for several years. Three public hearings have been given by the Assembly Committee on Public Health, which have been largely attended by Christian Scientists from all parts of the state. In its original form, as first read, the Bell Bill was phrased as follows:—

"Any person will be regarded as practising medicine within the meaning of this act who shall prescribe, direct, recommend, or advise for the use of any other person any remedy or agent whatsoever, whether with or without the use of any medicine, drug, instrument, or other appliance, for the treatment, relier, or cure of any wound, fracture, or bodily injury, infirmity, physical, or mental or other defect or disease. This article shall not be construed as prohibiting the service of any person in an emergency or domestic administration of family remedies."

Since its introduction, several amendments have been offered, intended to exempt various classes. The latest suggestion was to amend so as to provide that if Christian Scientists practise for financial gain, they must take the regular physicians' examination. It was argued to the Committee that the way to remove the religious objection was to proceed on the theory that if cures are performed as a matter of religion, no fees should be charged.

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