Phineas Parkhurst Quimby

MY THEORY

[extract from a letter]

All effects produced on the human frame are the result of a chemical change of the fluids - with or without our knowledge; and all the varieties and changes are accompanied by a peculiar state of mind.

If the mind should be directed to any particular organ, that organ might become deranged - or it might not. In either case, the trouble is in the mind; for the body is only the house for the mind to dwell in - and we put a value upon it according to its worth.

Therefore if your mind has been deceived by some invisible enemy into a belief, you have put it into the form of a disease - with or without your knowledge.

By my theory (or truth) I come in contact with your enemy and restore you to health and happiness. This I do partly mentally and partly by talking, till I correct the wrong impressions and establish the truth - and the truth is the cure.

I use no medicines of any kind and make no applications.

I am no spiritualist, after the manner of the Rochester rappings, and I am not dictated to by any living man; but am guided by the dictations of my own conscience - as a lawyer is in pleading a case governed by the evidence.

A sick man is like a criminal cast into prison for disobeying some law that man has set up. I plead his case, and if I get the verdict - the criminal is set at liberty. If I fail - I lose the case.

teloV