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Papal Gratitude. Though he has published books outlining his theories and claims of benefit to patients, he offers no precise statistics such as most medical men demand as proof that a treatment works. Although technically in good standing in organized Swiss medicine, he is viewed with suspicion by most Swiss physicians. His greatest following is in Germany, where a connection with the University of Tubingen enables him to use the coveted title "professor."
More controversial even than his method is the part Dr. Niehans played in Pius XII's 1954 illness. His admirers say that his treatment saved the Pope. Detractors argue that he wrongly diagnosed the illness (diaphragmatic hernia) as cancer, and was hustled out of the papal presence. What is certain is that as a reward for whatever he did, Dr. Niehans displays an autographed photograph on which the Pope wrote, in German, high praise of the cellular specialist. And in 1955 the Pope named him to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Niehans modestly denies that he has ever treated (as often reported) the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, or his near neighbor, the aging (70) Charlie Chaplin. Nor, he says, has he personally treated Chancellor Konrad Adenauer or Sir Winston Churchill, but both have had Niehans' cellular injections from other physicians. In the isolation of his palatial home, Dr. Niehans admits that besides the criterion of "individual prominence," he chooses patients who are "most likely to give good response to treatment." This selection may go far to explain why so many are satisfied.
Dr. Niehans asks no fee from ruling princes. But here there is another and more tangible "response to treatment." In his mansion is a priceless silk carpet, 30 ft. square, the gift of an Oriental potentate. The Imam of Yemen gave him a ritual sword in a jewel-studded gold scabbard. In the immense living room are several old masters, including a Van Dyck and a Durer. Most of Dr. Niehans' colleagues are still unconvinced, but his patients appear to be grateful.