Editorial April 25, 1914 Issue

Concerning Medical Legislation

Archibald McLellan

So much has been said in a fragmentary way in the newspapers about the proposed changes in the medical registration laws of New York and Massachusetts, that there may be doubt in the minds of some of our readers as to the actual status of these laws, in so far as they might apply to the practice of Christian Science. It may not be amiss, therefore, to present at this time the following summary:—

About fifteen years ago the medical societies of Illinois caused to be introduced in the Legislature of that state a bill which so defined the practice of medicine as to include within this term effort to heal the sick, whether by the use of medicine or in any other way. This definition was so inclusive that, had the bill become a law, no one but a registered physician could extend assistance to any sick person, even in the slightest degree. The proposed law was in fact so drastic that a member of the Legislature declared that, with such a law in force, were Christ Jesus to come to Illinois and do the works which he did when on earth, he would be accounted a felon. The Christian Scientists of the state immediately opposed the bill, and its sponsors thereupon agreed that the bill should be so amended as to exclude from its operation "any person who ministers to or treats the sick or suffering by mental or spiritual means, without the use of any drug or material remedy."

With this change the bill was passed, thereby becoming in fact what it purported to be, namely, a law to define and regulate the practice of medicine, and during the fifteen years this law has been on the statute-books of Illinois, it has worked satisfactorily. Those who have in reality attempted to practise medicine without complying with the law have been restrained, and the rights of those who desire to be healed by mental or spiritual means have not been interfered with.

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