in consequence, although her physicians insisted that it would be unsafe to perform the 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 she was compelled by her physicians to take it. Her hands were held, and she was forced into submission. The case was brought to trial. The evidence was found to be conclusive; and a verdict was returned that her death was occasioned, not by the ether, but her fear of inhaling it.
Is it skilful or scientific surgery to take no heed of mental conditions, and treat the patient as if she were so much mindless matter, and as if matter were the only factor to be consulted? Had those unscientific surgeons understood metaphysics, they would not have risked such treatment in that woman's state of mind. They would have allayed her fear, or performed the operation without ether. Such ignorance — yea, such cruelty — should arouse thought upon these subjects.
Diplomas no more confer a rightful power to kill people, than does the assassin's steel. The sequel proved that this Lynn lady died from fear, by the action of mortal mind on the body, and not from the disease or the operation.
Give sick people credit for sometimes knowing more than their doctor. Always support their trust in the power of Mind to sustain the body. Never tell the sick they have more courage than strength. Tell them, rather, that their strength is in proportion to their courage. If you make them understand this great truism, there will be no reaction from over-exertion, or on account of excited conditions.
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