Article September 20, 1941 Issue

In a recent issue an article about Mesmer appeared, in...

Hendrik Fennema,—The Hague (translation)

Het Vaderland,

In a recent issue an article about Mesmer appeared, in which was stated, among other things, that Christian Science was founded on the discoveries of Mesmer.

This is incorrect. The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, rejected, as did the committee mentioned in the article, Mesmer's theory of animal magnetism. In her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy wrote under the heading, "Animal Magnetism Unmasked" (p. 101), "In no instance is the effect of animal magnetism, recently called hypnotism, other than the effect of illusion." Moreover, no relation can exist between Christian Science and mesmerism, because Christian Science is based on the Bible, including the teachings of Christ Jesus.

Christian Science healing has nothing to do with healing by suggestion, but is accomplished through one's understanding of the Christ, Truth. Christian Science has come, in the words of John, to "destroy the works of the devil."