The name “Osteopathy”, Journal of Osteopathy, June 1896

I started a collection of texts from old osteopathic journals that could be of interest to osteopaths and people curious about osteopathy.

You can fin the full list here
Some were translated into French here



THE name “osteopathy”

By a technical definition of the word Osteopathy, a great many people are led to believe the new science one which treats only bone diseases or dislocations. The term “Osteopathy,” like terms that are often applied as names, is not truly indicative of the character of the new method of treatment. In fact it is impossible to frame a word that will give a correct idea of the new system. Realizing this, Dr. Still coined the word Osteopathy and applied it to his science AS A NAME. While the most common translation is misleading, the word “Osteopathy” is, after all, a very appropriate name for the science. The great fundamental principles of the new philosophy are:

1st—That health is natural; disease and death, between the time of birth and old age, unnatural.
2nd—That all bodily disorders are the result of mechanical obstruction to the free circulation of vital fluids and forces.

Under this law, when the animal organism is “in line,” as the machinist would express it, health will follow. The body is regarded as a machine. Alignment of any structure must begin from the framework. The framework of the animal machine is the bones. Upon this framework the Master Machinist built the structure of animal life. Order is the great law of life. Disorder is disease and death. In the maintenance of the physical order necessary to the normal working of the animal machinery, the bones are of paramount importance. As the surveyor looks for his stakes, so an Osteopath must go to the bones for his fixed points before “running a line” or exploring the human body in search of abnormal conditions. Thus, the human skeleton, being the part of the animal organism upon which order most depends, is made the foundation of Osteopathic practice; hence the name “Osteopathy.” The word should be defined, not as “bone-healing,” “bone doctor,” or any of the constructions which the enemies of Osteopathy delight to give it, but as “a method of treating diseases, founded by Dr. Still.” When considered in this light, the word is very appropriate. The system consists of skillfully tracing out and readjusting mechanical disorders which interfere with natural functions, thus enabling nature to maintain her equilibrium, which is health.

Unknown author
Journal of Osteopathy, June 1896


Posted

in

by

Tags:

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *