Editorial August 29, 1936 Issue

Defense against Mass Mesmerism

George Shaw Cook

"Mass mesmerism," so called, to which reference is frequently made, is not something which appears suddenly out of a clear sky, so to speak. Rather is it a condition which, in belief, is developed gradually by reason of first one person and then another accepting as real some erroneous suggestion of evil, whether it be of disease, depression, the fear of disaster, or fallacious economic or political dogmas.

So-called contagious disease may, for example, begin with a few sporadic cases, and spread through mental contagion until it becomes epidemic. When many persons in a community have thus become mentally infected through fear, and find themselves manifesting the symptoms of a prevalent type of disease, there is a condition of so-called mass mesmerism. The existence of such a condition, having been reported in the press and heralded by radio, reaches, in belief, the thought of individuals in other communities, and so the epidemic may spread.

It is regrettable that the spread of so-called contagious or infectious disease is sometimes given additional impetus by persistent propaganda inspired by a mistaken sense of responsibility for public welfare, or even, perhaps, at times, by less worthy motives. Christian Scientists, however, are learning to defend themselves against these aggressive suggestions of the presence and prevalence of disease, and are grateful to have learned from their study of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," that as its author, Mary Baker Eddy, says on page 496, "In Science there is no transfer of evil suggestions from one mortal to another, for there is but one Mind."

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