Chapter VI - Science, Theology, Medicine
Effects of fear
159:1
cians insisted that it would be unsafe to perform a needed
cians insisted that it would be unsafe to perform a needed
surgical operation without the ether. After the autopsy,
her sister testified that the deceased protested
against inhaling the ether and said it would kill
her, but that she was compelled by her physicians to take
it. Her hands were held, and she was forced into sub-
mission. The case was brought to trial. The evidence
was found to be conclusive, and a verdict was returned that
death was occasioned, not by the ether, but by fear of
inhaling it.
Mental conditions to be heeded
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Is it skilful or scientific surgery to take no heed of men-
Is it skilful or scientific surgery to take no heed of men-
tal conditions and to treat the patient as if she were so
much mindless matter, and as if matter were
the only factor to be consulted? Had these
unscientific surgeons understood metaphysics,
they would have considered the woman's state of mind,
and not have risked such treatment. They would either
have allayed her fear or would have performed the opera-
tion without ether.
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The sequel proved that this Lynn woman died from
The sequel proved that this Lynn woman died from
effects produced by mortal mind, and not from the disease
or the operation.
False source of knowledge
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The medical schools would learn the state of man
The medical schools would learn the state of man
from matter instead of from Mind. They examine the
lungs, tongue, and pulse to ascertain how
much harmony, or health, matter is permit-
ting to matter, – how much pain or pleasure, action or
stagnation, one form of matter is allowing another form
of matter.
159:30
Ignorant of the fact that a man's belief produces dis-
Ignorant of the fact that a man's belief produces dis-
ease and all its symptoms, the ordinary physician is
liable to increase disease with his own mind, when he
160:1
should address himself to the work of destroying it through
should address himself to the work of destroying it through
the power of the divine Mind.
160:3
The systems of physics act against metaphysics, and
The systems of physics act against metaphysics, and
vice versa. When mortals forsake the material for the
spiritual basis of action, drugs lose their healing force,
for they have no innate power. Unsupported by the
faith reposed in it, the inanimate drug becomes
powerless.
Obedient muscles
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The motion of the arm is no more dependent upon the
The motion of the arm is no more dependent upon the
direction of mortal mind, than are the organic action and
secretion of the viscera. When this so-called
mind quits the body, the heart becomes as tor-
pid as the hand.
Anatomy and mind
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Anatomy finds a necessity for nerves to convey the man-
Anatomy finds a necessity for nerves to convey the man-
date of mind to muscle and so cause action; but what does
anatomy say when the cords contract and be-
come immovable? Has mortal mind ceased
speaking to them, or has it bidden them to be impotent?
Can muscles, bones, blood, and nerves rebel against mind
in one instance and not in another, and become cramped
despite the mental protest?
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Unless muscles are self-acting at all times, they are
Unless muscles are self-acting at all times, they are
never so, – never capable of acting contrary to mental
direction. If muscles can cease to act and become rigid
of their own preference, – be deformed or symmetrical,
as they please or as disease directs, – they must be self‑
directing. Why then consult anatomy to learn how mor-
tal mind governs muscle, if we are only to learn from
anatomy that muscle is not so governed?
Mind over matter
160:30
Is man a material fungus without Mind
Is man a material fungus without Mind
to help him? Is a stiff joint or a contracted
muscle as much a result of law as the supple and