The estimate of Quimby is a generous one; she had still not plumbed the depths of the distinction between their two systems, a distinction that went far beyond the use of physical manipulation. But the essential point was clear; from the standpoint of Science all mesmerism was malpractice, whether it was used with intent to do good or to do harm. The magnetism which had held Quimby back from reaching Science and the magnetism which had drawn Kennedy away from Science were one and the same thing.

In the year 1872 a book was published which throws a strong though indirect light on these events. Entitled Mental Medicine, it was written by Warren F. Evans, the Swedenborgian minister who visited Quimby in 1863 and who found the Portland healer’s theory and method in close agreement with his own.

Such later Quimby champions as Horatio W. Dresser and Charles S. Braden have described Evans as a disciple of Quimby, although this is not supported by anything in Evans’ own writings. Even so, it is essential to remember Dresser’s unqualified statement that Evans simply wrote what Quimby meant to say and what he would have said if he had had the education and skill to do so.⁹⁷

Apparently Sarah Bagley in 1871 had heard of Evans’ activities or had run across his first book on healing—The Mental-Cure, published in 1869—for Mrs. Glover had written her in that year: “I was interested in your account of that half scientist, a former patient of Dr Quimby;