The Lischner Documents
by Ernest E. Pelletier
CONTENTS:
• The Lischner Document - excerpt
• Introduction to Dr. Lischner’s pamphlet
• Letter by Dr. Hyman Lischner
• Dr. Hyman Lischner’s 38pp. pamphlet
The Lischner Document
Following is an excerpt from Katherine Tingley: The Hijacking of the Theosophical Society in America,
pp.151-153. [Ernest E. Pelletier, 2024]
Dr. Hyman Lischner (1880-1967)
Dr. Lischner was born in Kiefr, Russia on October 27th, 1880, came to America in 1895 and became a U.S.
citizen August 3rd, 1904. He graduated from the New York Homeopathic Medical College and Flower
Hospital on May 6th, 1905. Dr. Lischner was listed in The Practitioners’ Digest and California Register of
Physicians and Surgeons as having registered there in 1909, and living at Point Loma. [1:2, Jan. 1910] His
specialty was diseases of children. His wife, Frances (nee Rieger), was also a medical doctor. She graduated from the New York Medical College and Hospital for Women in 1909, and was registered in Los Angeles in 1914.
Dr. Lischner claimed he was a “co-member” of the Point Loma organization and had been closely involved
for many years. In all likelihood he knew Katherine Tingley in New York and she invited him to Point Loma,
offering offices in the Isis Theater. The San Diego Union and Daily Bee reported that he “decided to locate
in San Diego and . . . opened offices in the Isis theater building.” [Jan. 30, 1910] According to the County
Directory, he still had his practice at these offices in September 1917.
