Article April 16, 1904 Issue

Attempted Legislation in Iowa

JOHN L. RENDALL.

A measure recently introduced in the Iowa Legislature illustrates the necessity for careful and prayerful watchfulness upon the part of Christian Scientists. This measure was labeled, "A Bill for an Act to regulate the practice of Psychiropathy." This looked innocent enough at first glance, but investigation of the provisions of the bill led to energetic action.

Section 5 of said measure defines psychiropathy as follows: "The term psychiropathy is a compound word, derived from the Greek, the meaning of which is, treatment by the mind and hand. Thus any person employing the influence of the mind, by suggestion or otherwise, or who uses the hands by making passes, applying them to the patient, or in manipulation for curative purposes, is practising psychiropathy. Therefore, the systems of healing commonly known as mental science, divine science, . . . or any other system of drugless therapeutics other than osteopathy, are hereby declared to be the practice of psychiropathy, as within the meaning of this act."

Section 4 provided that none should practise other than those having a diploma from a legally incorporated school of psychiropathy.

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