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Answers to questions our research team has received.
Christian Science Reading Rooms 1887–1910
(Updated January 2019)The beginnings of Christian Science Reading Rooms can be dated to January 1887. According to a later article in The Christian Science Journal, in that month the “Free Dispensary of Christian Science Healing” opened in Boston, possibly...
Elvis Presley and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
The Library’s Research staff had heard this rumor over the years but like many rumors that come to us for authentication, we’d found no concrete evidence one way or another. Then, in the November 17, 2008, issue of The New Yorker, an article reviewed the work of the...
What’s the background on Eddy’s poems set to music in the “Christian Science Hymnal”?
"Christmas Morn" was published in The Christian Science Journal for December 1898. It was first included in the...
Article XXVI, Section 7: “A Single Field of Labor”
To best answer this inquiry, we have prepared a chronology of this By-Law's development. To read the full text please download the PDF.
Did Eddy require use of the King James Version?
Learn from her correspondence how she felt about the use of this and other Bible translations.
The Major Editions of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
This PDF document contains information on the major editions of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures including publisher, printer, page count, and contents. Please contact Research & Reference Services if you need more detailed information.
The People of Mary Baker Eddy’s Household
The attached PDF gives the approximate times of service for members of Mary Baker Eddy's household. The list has been compiled from a number of sources in the archival collection. Please contact the Research staff if you need more detailed information about these...
American Christian Science Architecture and its Influence
To best address this topic, we have reproduced an article on the topic by author and former Library Fellow, Paul Ivey. A brief biography of the author is also available. Building Respectability: Christian Science Architecture in the U. S. A. and its Influence in...
What is the background to the By-Law titled “Formulas Forbidden”?
The Mary Baker Eddy Library wrote this article for the September 2009 Christian Science Journal. It discusses Mary Baker Eddy's reasons for prohibiting the use of formulaic treatments in Christian Science healing.
What are the origins of Christian Science Sunday School?
Read about events that took place over the course of almost 30 years.
What is the background on Eddy’s article “Contagion”?
Here’s some research that gives context.
Did Joseph Armstrong heal people of smallpox?
Here is background that suggests he did.
Did Eddy use Webster’s 1828 dictionary?
The answer is somewhat nuanced.
Did Eddy regularly read a hymn at bedtime?
Here’s information that suggests she did.
How did Christian Scientists respond to the 1918–1919 Spanish flu?
Here is information from a variety of sources.
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