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Somewhat related to our recent discussion of "sham" surgery is an article in the science section of today's New York Times that mentions a two year experimental study to demonstrate the power of prayer. 600 patients about to undergo heart surgery were divided into two groups. Patients in one group were prayed for, and those in the other group were not. Patients in both groups were told that they might be prayed for, but no one was told which group they were in. Results of the study are not yet available. The study is funded by the Templeton Foundation, which supports projects to study religious subjects scientifically. The foundation was created by Sir John Templeton, founder of several investment funds. Phil Tompkins Hoboken NJ age 61/dx 1990