ll
they do not seriously damage the organs and tissues of the body.
Organic disease, on the other hand, may run its course accompanied by
much less suffering, but the destruction of tissue is serious,
perhaps irreparable.

The sharpness of this distinction between organic and functional
troubles is somewhat blurred by the fact that a functional or nervous
affection, such as insomnia, may lead, both directly and through loss
of appetite, to a loss of weight or to a considerable deterioration in
the body tissues. Here we have what might be called _organic disease
produced by functional disease_, and such organic disease as this is
often cured by Christian Science or by some more rational method of
mental healing. We must also recognize the fact that there are a few
rare diseases which we cannot certainly assign either to the organic
or the functional class. Yet, despite these reservations, the
distinction which the words indicate is still a clear one in the vast
majority of cases.

_Analysis of 100 "Cures"_

Having made this definition of terms, I will go on to present herewith
a table in which I have analyzed one hundred consecutive "testimonies"
from the _Christian Science Journal_. I have grouped these cases in
four classes:

First, seventy-two cases in which I find, on careful study, reasonably
good evidence for the diagnosis of functional or nervous disorder.

Second, seven cases of what appears to be organic disease.

Third, eleven cases very difficult to class, but probably belonging in
the functional group.

Fourth, ten cases, regarding the diagnosis of which no reasonable
conjecture can be made.

These cases, arranged in the first three groups, are as follows:

GROUP I--FUNCTIONAL OR NERVOUS DISORDERS.

"Nervous trouble" 17 cases
"Trouble with eyes" 12 cases
"Kidney and bladder trouble" 7 cases
"An abnormal growth" 5 cases
"Stomach trouble" 4 cases
"Lung trouble" 4 cases
"Rheumatism" 3 cases
Drug habit 3 cases
Tobacco habit 2 cases
Alcoholism 2 cases
"Asthmatic trouble" 2 cases
"Irritable disposition" 1 case
"The blues" 1 case
Headache 1 case
"Hardening of the spine" 1 case
"Spinal trouble" 1 case