Testing the power of belief
Heilig, J.S.
Science 276(5314): 881
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-8075 PMID: 9163028 Document Number: 476440
Three letters respond to Roush's profile of the cardiologist Herbert Benson and to Irwin and Tessman's review of Benson's book Timeless Healing, both published in the April 18 issue. The first letter discusses the pioneering work of the biometrician Francis Galton in attempting to assess the power of belief in health and healing. The second letter suggests a modification to the protocol being employed by Benson in his study of the power of prayer. The third letter argues that it is pointless to debate whether humans are "hardwired for prayer," as an evolutionary perspective indicates that individuals who do not give up hope when faced with the dilemma of mortality can be expected to be more fecund.