1821-1910. US founder of the Christian
Science movement. She was born in New
Hampshire and brought up as a
Congregationalist. Her pamphlet Science of
Man 1869 was followed by Science and Health
with Key to the Scriptures in 1875, which
systematically set forth the basis of
Christian Science. In 1876 she founded the
Christian Science Association. In 1879 the
Church of Christ, Scientist, was established,
and although living in retirement after 1892
she continued to direct the activities of the
movement until her death. Her faith in divine
healing was confirmed by her recovery from
injuries caused by a fall, and she based a
religious sect on this belief. Separated from
her husband and in poor health, she
discovered in 1862 the work of a faith healer
named Phineas Quimby, who decisively
influenced her belief in healing through
divine grace, a belief enhanced by her own
recovery.