THERE have been few if any books in the history of civilization which have had an influence in any way comparable to that of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." A school of literature, philosophy, or religious interpretation may arise and hold sway for several generations, but this is seldom achieved by one person. It is usually accomplished by a host of disciples and the development of a literature. But by no other power than that revealed through this remarkable book, the author of Science and Health has within forty years established a religious movement which has enlisted scores of thousands of followers, won many of the brightest minds, and girdled the civilized earth with her message. While Christian Science will surely develop a literature, as yet, strictly speaking, it has no literature except the writings of its Founder. One does not have to agree with the teachings of Christian Science to recognize and admit that Science and Health must be regarded as one of the world's most remarkable books. A book which is not appreciated may be great, but the significance and value of a book must finally be measured by its achievements.
The first striking characteristic of Science and Health is its literary quality. Its clearness of diction is unequaled by any work ever written on the subject of metaphysics. When we remember the great difficulty of translating spiritual and metaphysical ideas into the common speech, and the very measured success of such writers in making their thoughts easily understood, we can but marvel at the force and lucidity of expression found in this book. When it is also remembered that every science and system of philosophy is written in technical speech which laymen do not understand, this book is found to be unique in that it deals with the most abstruse subject, and yet like the Bible it is, as a whole, readily grasped by the common people. Aside from the unavoidable use of many technical terms, the simple Anglo-Saxon words predominate. The sentences are rhythmic and euphonious, which always adds greatly to the pleasure of reading. The paragraphs are short, the interest is sustained, and both sentence and paragraph fulfill the highest requirements of effective writing. The book has a style that is unique and masterful, and one that makes it fit to be taken as a model.
The distinguishing characteristic of Science and Health, however, is its power in the sick-room. To many otherwise hopelessly sick, it comes with a peace and assurance utterly impossible apart from inspiration. Let sick people read the so-called scientific discussions of the nature of their affliction and its cure, and their conditions and symptoms are very apt to be aggravated. Even physicians admit this. But this book, instead of arousing, soothes the anxiety of the sufferer. It never delineates disease or its symptoms. It brings to the sufferer "the sunlight of Truth" (p. 162) concerning his condition. Yet more interesting and important, it has the power to allay existing fear and prejudices, and to convince the patient that health is man's eternal possession. People who are not sick may have opinions about the book, widely differing, but the sick who study it are practically a unit concerning its nature and worth.
