On July 4, 1905, in passing down some steps, I injured my knee. The following day, I attempted to go to my place of business, but was in such pain that I was compelled to return home, which I accomplished with the aid of crutches. Our family physician was called in, and prescribed lotions of various kinds, also bandages, etc., continuing this treatment for about ten days, at which' time my knee was if anything worse than at first. Upon the advice of the doctor, another physician was called for consultation, after which it was decided by both doctors that it was necessary to operate on the knee and to place the limb in a cast, which they did on July 16. I wore this cast for two weeks; it was then removed and my limb again placed in bandages.
A few days later the family doctor frankly informed me that he had done everything in his power to restore to me the use of my limb, and advised me to go to a hospital. I followed his advice, he making all the necessary arrangements, and on the 7th of August went with him to The hospital, where I stayed for three weeks. Upon my arrival the knee was examined by a number of doctors," and all thought I would be laid up a long time, and many said I would lose the use of the knee-joint. I was treated by a method which was very painful, and after undergoing this treatment for three weeks and getting no relief, I decided to ' return home, and did so.
During the weeks of my affliction I had been approached by a friend who is superintendent for the company in which I am employed, in regard to Christian Science treatment, but as I had no faith in it at the time. I would not listen. After returning from the hospital, however, and having exhausted all my confidence in the medical profession, I finally thought Christian Science could at least do me no harm, so decided to try it. Pursuant to this resolution, a practitioner was called, and she gave me my first treatment on Sunday afternoon. At this time I kept the knee and entire limb bandaged, and had no use of it whatever. In moving about with the aid of crutches I had to be very careful so as not to cause pain. I was advised by the Scientist to remove all bandages, which I neglected to do until after her next visit, on Monday, when I was really surprised to note, after removing the bandages, that the knee seemed to be better. I then began to feel that I had some faith in Christian Science, and read much from Science and Health, a copy of which the lady had loaned me, as well as other Christian Science literature.
