Ask a Researcher

Answers to questions our research team has received.

The early years of Christian Science Reading Rooms, 1887–1910

Feb 12, 2012

Hotel Boylston, Boston, undated. P04159. Herbert L. Dunbar.(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...

Elvis Presley and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures

Jan 11, 2012

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”?

Dec 12, 2011

"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”

Nov 14, 2011

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?

Aug 12, 2011

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

Aug 9, 2011

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

Jun 23, 2011

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

Jun 16, 2011

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”?

Jun 15, 2011

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.