University of Virginia Library

Mental conditions to be heeded

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.

The sequel proved that this Lynn woman died from effects produced by mortal mind, and not from the disease or the operation.