From a strictly medical point of view the only objection that can be urged against the practice of Christian Science is that the patient who places himself under the care of one of its practitioners dispenses with the use of drugs and other material remedies, and by so doing he neglects to employ agencies which might restore him to health or at least alleviate his sufferings. Even the most rigid adherents of the drugging system do not claim that drugs are needed every time the harmonious action of the human system is interfered with. It is believed that in many cases "nature" will do the work and restore harmony much more effectually without the aid of drugs than with them. Moreover, it is universally admitted that drugs oftentimes have an injurious effect, and that whenever their use can be avoided it is wise to do so. The patient who is restored to health in a perfectly natural way, that is— without stimulants or other material aids,— is believed to be in a better condition, physically and mentally, than he would have been if material agencies had been resorted to; and because of the injurious effect of drugs there is an ever-increasing desire to avoid their use wherever it is possible.
The advocates of material methods of healing are united only on one point, namely, that in some instances drugs are necessary. They are not agreed as to just what conditions or symptoms demand the use of drugs, much less are they agreed as to what material remedies should be employed. It is quite generally acknowledged to-day that such material remedies as were employed a score of years ago were not only unnecessary but in many cases worked injury to the patient, and that their use often resulted fatally. A noted physician expressed his conviction that while some people regain their health by the use of drugs, more recovered without them, and still more in spite of them. This statement and similar declarations regarding the beneficial or injurious effects of drugs would seem to indicate that, from the standpoint of the highest medical learning and skill, the cases wherein drugs are an absolute necessity are comparatively few. This being the case, then the teaching which dispenses with the use of drugs and turns the thought of the patient into other channels cannot be said to work any great hardship.
If the testimony of those who are experienced in the use of material remedies is to be accepted as true, then there is abundant evidence of the fact that many sick people have recovered in spite of the material means employed to restore them to health. It has never been said of one who was healed by Christian Science that he recovered in spite of the treatment he received. It is not claimed that the teachings of Christian Science, or their practice, would prevent, or even retard, the healing of the sick. Many times it is said to those who are advised to try Christian Science, "It cannot do any harm even if it does not do any good." Those persons who have no faith in Christian Science to heal or even help the sick are not heard to express a conviction that it works injury. This is more than is said of any other method of healing.
