Article May 30, 1931 Issue

Notices

Contrary to the thought of some, the copyright on the last edition of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy has not expired. Among copyrights on well-known books expiring in June, this year, is that of the first edition of this book by Mrs. Eddy. "Science and Health" was first published by Mrs. Eddy, then Mrs. Glover, in 1875, and has passed through many editions. It was several times revised by its author, as she explains in the following statement:

"I have revised Science and Health only to give a clearer and fuller expression of its original meaning. Spiritual ideas unfold as we advance. A human perception of divine Science, however limited, must be correct in order to be Science and subject to demonstration. A germ ofinfinite Truth, though least in the kingdom of heaven, is the higher hope on earth, but it will be rejected and reviled until God prepares the soil for the seed. That which when sown bears immortal fruit, enriches mankind only when it is understood,—hence the many reading given the Scriptures, and the requisite revisions of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (Science and Health, p. 361).

By way of explanation to the Christian Science Field, and out of fairness to those engaged in the business of publishing and selling books, it should be said that, while the first edition of this book is of historical interest, it does not have the same importance as would the first editions of other books which are not textbooks. As in the case of other textbooks, the last revised edition is the one for study, and Mrs. Eddy clearly indicated her desire that students of her book should use the final edition. Upon the revision of this book she expended much time and prayerful thought throughout many years. One of her purposes in removing from Boston to Concord, New Hampshire, in 1889, was that she might find the quiet and relief from active labor for her Cause that she needed for a thorough revision of the textbook.

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