Osteopathy in the 1890s and early 1900s - read all about it!

I've been amusing myself this evening by reading about osteopathy in the 1890s and early 1900s from primary sources: that is, from articles in Google's news archive.

In the context of many of the discussions here on Sacral Musings, it is very interesting to see the struggle for recognition and regulation; the same arguments from doctors and other detractors we recognise from today; the same need to explain constantly what osteopathy actually is; the same personal criticisms of Still and other personalities, etc.

One of the big differences is definitely the scope of osteopathy at this time, the focus on acute and infectious disease which by and large has been discarded by most today. It's nice to read this all at first hand.

If you have a need to procrastinate, I recommend a bit of a browse. My favourite article is actually an advert for osteopathic services from The Ellensburg Dawn in 1905. It's a whole page of essay!

"Be you ever so sick, the most delicate and weakened tissues in the body feel the benificent influence of Osteopathic toning up for this treatment cannot be taken without some good resulting -- and why? Because Osteopathy is scientific, safe and sure. It is based on fact, not conjecture. It has proven it claims by results as well as scientific theories...

"Do not bankrupt your health!"

ps If you read this, do comment and say hi. :)