Article January 22, 1903 Issue

In the Medical Arena

Alfred Farlow

Journal of Medicine and Science

Mr. Editor.

E. H. Judkins, L.L.B., D.D., pays his ardent respects to me in the September issue of your Journal and challenges me to answer certain questions. He quotes my statement, "Christian Science does not aim to practise medicine."

This was made in answer to the assertion that Christian Scientists assume to be medical practitioners and are therefore liable to the regulations intended for the medical system. Laws regulating the practice of medicine insist that physicians shall be qualified in their special departments. A surgeon must understand that the amputation of a foot is more practical than the amputation of the head, and that the administration of strychnia is more dangerous than bread pellets. But the Christian Scientist administers no medicine, attempts no-surgical operations nor physical manipulations of any character; hence he does not need the restrictions which apply to those schools which deal with material remedies any more than the ordinary layman. Though the prayers of a Christian Scientist may be more effectual than those of his good neighbors who do not understand Christian Science, they are not therefore dangerous and not in need of legal restriction.

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