Osteopathic Truth

September 1916

Vol. 1, No. 2

Reproduced with a gift from the Advocates for the American Osteopathic Association (AAOA Special Projects Fund)

May not be reproduced in any format without the permission of the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine,SM

[1991.1334.111] OSTEOPATHIC TRUTH A MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR THE OSTEOPATHIC PROFESSION

Pledged to the TRUTH which Father Andrew saw, No favor sways us, and no fear shall awe.

Volume I SEPTEMBER, 1916 Number 2

Scientific Honesty Compels us to Stand for Straight Unequivocal Osteopathy, Says Dr. Meacham. The New President of the A. O. A. Makes a Plain, Square.Statement Editor Osteopathic Truth: .A decayed molar and a decayed tonsil are one and If the object of this Legion is to promulgate the the same to me, because both of them have to go out principles of osteopathy, to keep these principles un­ of my office for the best special treatment for those diluted and uncontaminated and to further the appli­ conditions. I have no more hesitancy in applying to cation of these principles-then I am with you. a specialist for one than I do for the other. If an I am against the straddle-bug and the hyphenate in anodyne is needed I should never hesitate to call for citizenship, in politics, in the man who made that religion and in scientific method a specialty. principles. I hope to live to see the There is such a thing as day when the drug dis­ scientific honesty. penser will be a specialist Financial honesty be­ with a field limited to gets a man standing and tho s e extreme cases credit in his community. where, for any reason No less will scientific hon­ whatever, the principles esty beget for our profes­ of osteopathy fail to bring sion ~ scientific standing relief. and credit in the minds I am in favor of being of men. an osteopath first and a Any idea, tenet or per­ doctor last, if by being a son that tends to place our doctor first we must equip profession before the pub­ ourselves with the whole lic as a bunch of money­ junk in the medical chasers, willing to do any­ pharmacopeia. thing so we "can handle If we live up to our a case," ought to be up­ best opportunities of per­ rooted and cast out by fect osteopathic practice our professional organiza­ we can and will eventually tions. Whatever or who­ make specialists and not ever is not for us is against us. doctors out of the drug-giving bunch. But we can No man is for the scientific principles of osteopathy do this only by being scientifically honest, by adhering who uses materia medica for therapeutic effect. The to our principles, and by spurning those honors and two ideas are incompatible. opportunities that might come to us through disloyalty If our professional principles and our individual art to osteopathic truth. in applying these principles are too limited t6 reach a W. BANKS MEACHAM, D. O. certain class of cases, then let us be scientifically hon­ est by referring these cases to those whom we believe capable of applying the correct remedy. ASHEVILLE, Aug. 23, 1916.

Museum of Osteopathic Medicine. Kirksville, MO 14 OSTEOPATHIC TRUTH ----

DIETETIC ADJUSTMENT. contains the necessary elements of nu­ heritage and lead the world in diagnosis trition seldom combine their foods com­ and therapeutics, or whether it is con­ CEO. W. REID, D. O. patibly. Dietetic adjustment is second tent to have others take first place in giv­ According to Dr. Still, "the human in importance only to structural adjust­ ing to hu'Vanity the full fruits of the machine, like the locomotive, or any ment. Let us not forget this in our Old Doctor's philosophy. "Sentiment ", other mechanical contrivance, when prop­ daily ministrations. you say? Not a bit of it. Simply our erly adjusted, nourished and cared for, In addition to emphasizing the import­ right as a profession, and because the should run smoothly into a ripe and ance of proper jiet, these deficiency osteopathic philosophy can deliver the useful old age." This statement com­ diseases bear testimony to the value of goods in the hands of those who prop­ prehends the whole function of the natural methods of treatment as opposed erly comprehend its simple truths. to artificial methods. Every new discov­ And furthermore, because we are as yet osteopathic physician. The human ma­ ery in the field of therap,.eutics seems to hut upon the threshold of this wonderful chine requires to be adj usted, nourished undermine the basis for popular as well philosophy, a statement which can be and otherwise properly cared for. as professional belief in the curative ef­ quickly verified by any qualified oste­ Thus, nutrition is'one of the funda­ fects of drugs. Indeed, it appears that opathic physician who has spent years in mental considerations of the osteopathic the belief in the remedial power of drugs active practice. As in all other pursuits school. is founded largely upon ignorance, both the greater experience the greater skill. The problem of nutrition embraces the in and out of the profession. Otherwise. The failures can seldom be laid at the subject of diet, as well as that of mas­ how can we account for the fact that our door of Osteopathy, but rather to our tication, digestion and assimilation. most enlightened physicians as well as own limited comprehension of the body Structural adj ustment places the body laity are getting away from the drug mechanism and the osteopathic philos­ into condition so that digestion and as­ 'fetish? Some years ago, Dr. Austin ophy. The indicated remedy for failure similation may take place without let Flint, in addressing a graduating class js well-defined, namely, more osteopathy or hindrance. In other words, it estab­ of medical students, made this significant and yet more. lishes an environment within the body statement in reference to drugs, "I sup­ Let u develop our own philosophy favorable to the normal or healthy ex­ pose th'at when we become perfect and let the other fellow take care of him­ pression of all its cells and tissues. physicians we will give none". Here is self. No one brain can hold all the The body. however, may be in an ex­ food for thought for oUT medically in­ learning in the world, so why not delve quisite state of adjustment and yet fall clined osteopathic brethren. into our philosophy rather than talk 0'£ a prey to disease simply because it is its shortcomings! A united sentiment not supplied with the proper nutritive for more osteopathy will solve every elements. Pellagra, beriberi, scurvy and AS DR. CAVE SEES IT. problem which confronts us, whether it rickets are diseases of this character. FRANCIS A. CAVE, D. O. be organization, legislative, collegiate or They are now known to be deficiency what not. There should be just one diseases. as they result primarily from The first issue of "OSTEOPATHIC standard for osteopathic fellowship and a diet that is devoid of certain essential TRUTH" was surely an inspiration to that should be a dyed-in-the-wool belief food elements. There is a very close me, and must prove such to the large in and adherence to the osteopathic con­ relationship between beriberi and pel­ body of our profession who believe in cept as enunciated by the Old Doctor, lagra. The former is essentially an a normal evolution of the osteopathic whose vision has given to the world oriental disease, occurring largely among principle. "OSTEOPATHIC TRUTH ,. this boon to humanity. Our millenium those who subsist mainly upon highly looks to me like a pretty husky young­ can be brought to pass through mutual polished rice, while pellagra is essentially ster, with plenty of bone and sinew co-operation between the profession and an occidental disease, occurring among already developed, ready for the the colleges, between the national and those whose diet consists mainly of friendly scrimmage or the pitched bat­ the state organizations, and the elimina­ highly polished corn products. tle, under the standard of " A. T. STILL tion of hybrids, by assimilation or other­ In the treatment of these diseases, no OSTEOPATHY", the well-c h 0 sen wise. dope. drugs, serums or vaccines are slogan for the present organization year. It has always been an open question necessary, notwithstanding the fact that (Why not adopt this slogan as the per­ in my mind as to how much of a medic they have been generously employed by manent slogan of the A. O. A. and non­ a physician could be and yet remain an our metlical friends in their endeavors to members as well?) osteopath. In spite of the immense en­ cure. The essential requisite is proper It seems to me high time for a return dowments and extraordinary physical adj ustment of the diet. The patients to the type of "militant" osteopathy enuip1llents of the larger medical schools must be given foods that are rich in which put us on the map in the first of the world, their graduates cannot com­ vitimines, and the foods that possess place, and which alone will suffice to p~re in practical all-around, efficiency these elements in abundance are green, keep us there in spite of foes without WIth the true-blue osteopathic graduate. fresh \'egetables, fresh fruits and un­ and within (but especially within). The difference must therefore lie 'not polished cereals. Whole wheat or gra­ ~o one could attend that fine con­ in endowment or equipment, but i~ the ham bread must be substituted for white vention at Kansas City without feefing application of the virfie basic facts of the bread, and unpolished cereals must be keen satisfaction in the thoughl that the osteopathic philosophy to the diagnosis used instead of highly polished cereal profession is now wide awake to the dan­ and treatment of disease. In other foods so commonly used. gers which are thrl!'Atening through the words, the osteopath must think oste­ Of course, it is quite probable that insidious undermining of our organiza­ opathy, otherwise he .cannot secure the osteopathic lesions have something to do tions by those who have never fully desired results. How, then, can' a 'pro­ in these diseases in the nature of lower­ grasped the fullness of truth of the medical osteopath expect to secure equal ing resistance and increasing suscepti­ osteopathic philosophy and yet seek to results with the pro-osteopathic osteo­ bility. But sufficient research has been inject their extraneous view-points into path? made to establish for a certainty the im­ our professional deliberations and insti­ The undermining influence of the' self­ portance of dietetic adjustment in these tutions. What a pit the entire profes­ styled advanced (?) thinkers constitutes partiwlar disorders. Indeed, proper ad­ sion could not have partaken of the in­ a constant menace to our organized ef­ justment of the diet seems to be the es- spiration of this up ifting .and history­ fort. Let us stand for more osteopathy sential therapeutic requirement. . - making convention! in our schools, on our programs and in These facts emphasize very strongly And now that the" return to first prin­ our individual effort. The field is un­ the importance of proper diet. It is ciples" is on, let us all stand squarely limited, according to the Old Doctor's reasonable to assume that if improper back of an administration pledged to own statements. and no one should ques­ diet is capable of producing such loath­ unceasing effort along progressive lines. tion his intimate knowledge of the sub­ ~ome consequences as represented by pel­ The "osteopathic" osteopath still re­ ject. When we have mastered the full­ lagra. beriberi. etc., then it is capable. mains the" progressive ", as in the be­ ness of the science of osteopathy it will also. of producing various gradations of ginning, while the advocates of drugs as be time enough to consider its limita­ trouble. Therefore, it behooves us to materia medica must necessarily be tions and not before. give 'he subject of diet our careful con­ class"ed as "reactionary", as. in the days "OSTEOPATHIC TRUTH" should sideration, that we may not overlook of yore. he welcomed by every physician who be­ the minor and less apparent consequences The showing of the next year or two Ii-eves in the basic principles of oste­ of dietetic errors. There are few people will demonstrate whether the osteo­ opathy as a needed message to humanity. who eat properly. Those whose diet pathic profession is to live up to its It should be welcomed by everyone who

Museum of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO OSTEOPATHIC TRUTH 15

believes that we are as yet but upon the D. or. M. D., D. O. ~rofessors who re­ have well founded a great teaching col­ threshold of this mighty truth, based quire ten years to be convinced of the lege or two, osteopathy is doomed to upon the eternal laws of nature itself. reality ef osteopathy. What is. happen­ speedily fall a prey to those who have In short, it should be welcomed by all ing to the student body while they are damned the philosophy and held up to those who stand for genuine osteopathic being converted? There must be a ridicule that great master mind, Dr. Still; progress, and a normal evolution of our thorough house-cleaning along these for now they are slowly undermining philosophy. Long may it live to labor lines. They are killing osteopathy at its our organizational structure and any along constructive lines for the benefit of source-if not by precept, then by their keen observer can see them working all concerned. example, and thus the student is led to toward our philosophy from day to day, distrust osteopathy and either gets the and woe betide us if we are unprepared, M. D. degree himself or turns his patient so let us get together, wipe out inter­ "WRONG TEACHING", THE over to an M. D. easily. ':'hese condi­ collegiate jealousy and move mightily as COLLEGES AND THE PRO- tions are not fanciful. They exist. How one great body toward the great goal set can they be met? As we have said be­ for us by Dr. Still. FESSION. fore, the colleges, most of them, are un­ We must teach osteopathy as Dr. Still teaches it. He likens it, as compared H. M. VASTINE, D. O. doubtedly doing the very best they can under the circumstances, but they face with the allied branches, to the great 'Obj ection has been made by represen­ conditions which it is but of the question central sun which illuminates the solar tatives of some of the colleges to the to meet. There ought not to be more system. So ought osteopathic principles use of the phrase "wrong teaching" and than two or three colleges. In fact I am to illuminate all other branches in the also to ascribing most of our profes­ convinced that if we had but one, and a college. Let's teach it that way. sional ills to this "wrong teaching" in united profession back of it with their the official pledge of the A. T. Still force and money, we would begin writing WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A Osteopathic Legion. It is not surprising a new era in the history of this greatest that obj ection should be raised to a of all arts of healing. So long as we MEDICAL DEGREE TO AN charge that is so general in character, tho have the number of colleges we now OSTEOPATH? it applies differently to the several col­ have there must exist a competitive LOUISE A. GRIFFIN, M. D., D. O. leges; and we believe that the protest grabbing for students. We shall con­ comes in all sincerity from those who tinue to have the colleges poorly manned [Dr. Robert W. Rogers in a communi­ are truly and earnestly interested in the as to their teaching force, because they cation published elsewhere quotes Dr. welfare of osteopathy. It is simply a must secure poorly paid professors, with Griffin's question in the July number of lack of understanding, like most of life's many who receive no pay, and thus the Osteopathic Truth: "Why all this clamor problems. In stating the case, we could subject is handled in a hand-to-mouth for a •broader osteopathy'?" Dr. Rog­ not, of course, go into the detail of what cheap sort of fashion. Meanwhile oste­ ers probably was not aware that Dr. is meant by "wrong teaching". It is opathy is not taught as a great progres­ Griffin wrote as she did after baving this: by " wrong teaching" we mean that sive truth, and unless conditions are been in medical practise for a number of the colleges in varying degree teach oste­ changedits downfall is certain. Not be­ years before espousing osteopathy. We opathy anywhere from that of "reduced cause of wrong motives, but because of are glad to present herewith portions of a force" all the way down to that of alien impossible conditions which have to be paper of hers that was read before the teaching or our detestable hyphenates. met by the colleges. The facts are these, New Osteopathic Association at It is no longer taught as in the early that this profession cannot supply unen­ a meeting at Bridgeport, Conn., some day, as a great concept, an all pervading dowed any such number of colleges. The time ago, and published in The Herald of revolutionary truth, complete and per­ reply to the charge that the many M. D. Osteopathy. We are promised articles fect, if perfectly applied. That it com­ or M. D., D. O. professors are a con­ by Dr. Griffin, and shall take pleasure prises a: part of the perfective plan of stant menace to the progress of oste­ in giving them to our readers. Ed.] creation deifies itself by reason of its in­ opathy is that the colleges cannot secure clusion in that grand schematic plan. It properly trained osteopathic professors, Twenty-fiv,e years ago I received a may be taught as a complete and inde­ because they cannot. afford to pay them medical degree from the Boston Uni­ pendent system, and still lack the force the salaries they ask. They do their versity School of Medicine. One year or predominance it must have on the best, but cannot surmount these things, of that time has been spent as surgical college curriculum as compared with the and I fully believe in their sincerity of interne in the Massachusetts Homeo­ allied branches. Thus it could be classed purpose, but it can't be done. pathic Hospital, a few months in the as "wrong teaching ". It must be taught The conditions r'emind me of a story John Hopkins Hospital during a term as an all dominating truth and all once told at a dinner party. The tale of Dr. William Osler, eleven years in branches as related to it. Taught as a sounded quite unlikely and the teller, active medical practice, and one year great article of faith, ever kept before noting the painful silence and failure to in studying and twelve years in prac­ the student as a guide to all other sub­ express approval, said-" It's true, don't 'ticing osteopathy. With this experience jects, which must harmonize with this you believe me"? They answered­ J feel fairly well qualified to discuss the great central truth. Osteopathy is not "Believe you, why certainly we believe nuestion as to "What is the value of a simply a catch phrase, it is as Dr. Still you but the Lord knows its impossible.~' Medical degree to an Osteopath? ,. says "a part of the Deific plan ", and And that's what's .the matter with the Occasionally I am asked by my pa­ must be reckoned with on the basis of osteopathic colleges. They face an im­ trons if I do not find that my medical an overruling principle on the college possible situation by reason of their education is a great help to me in my curriculum. How is this possible? Well numbers. osteopathic practice. I invariably reply, there are two or three necessary means If we merged our colleges into one since it is the only reply I can honestly to this end. There must be a determina­ or tWo great colleges, we should soon make, that the only real value my med­ tion on the part of the faculty to teach find endowments coming to sustain them; ical training has been to me in my oste­ this way. There must be a real faculty, never as the colleges are conducted to­ opathic work, is that it has enabled me each one having caught the true inspira­ day. \ATe should s.ecure the best type of to practice medicine long enough to ac­ tion of what osteopathy is, and then it professors, and could pay them attrac­ quire the practical experience necessary must be grounded into the student from tive salaries. Put the energy of the pro­ to become fam;liar with diseases, and to every angle in conjunction with every fession back of these colleges, and the discover the instability of the curative branch taught. How can the student student body would in a few years be­ action of drugs, but that it in no way with grey matter enough to grasp the come what it ought to be, the greatest helps me to find out the osteopathic osteopathic type of reasoning disease in any college of thera,peutics, and our cause of, or cure for, dise·ase. In fact, gather the philosophy and train his mind problems would find a ready solution, for several years, it actually hindered in to reason that way when some of the for' our basic ill would be eradicated. grasping the osteopathic diagnosis, deal­ professors insidiously .undermine this A prafession rests upon its producing ing with the mechanical cause of disease great truth by sowing the seeds of doubt source, its colleges. Until they become which it rectifies so as to give nature a and thus prepare the student to go forill great. the profession cannot build up. A free hand, while medicine looks at the a weakling, an incubator baby to do a profession is no greater than its source, effects or symptoms that name the dis­ man's work. . Altogether too few recog­ its colleges. Unless we make great ease, and quiets them with drugs, hoping nize the gl,"eatness of the subj ect they es­ haste and build ost~opathy from the that in time nature will effect a cure. say to present. Then there are the M. ground, by first making certain that we It seems very difficult for many people

• Museum of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO 16 OSTEOPATHIC TRUTH

to grasp the idea that the osteopathic that it enables those who master its truths THE AFTERMATH OF INFAN­ viewpoint of disease is radically different to successfully minister to suffering hu­ TILE PARALYSIS: A H~EAVY from the medical viewpoint. A knowl­ manity .and this after all, is the essen­ BURDEN ON THE NATION. edge of the medical viewpoint is apt to tial test of any school of therapeutics. be· confusing unless the person has a By J. MAllISON TAYLOR, M. D. clear conception of the osteopathic phi­ (Professor of Applied Therapeutics, Medical De· losophy, in that it obscures a clear vision TWO STRIKING EDITORIALS partment, Temple University; Formerly Pro· of the osteopathic lesion as a cause of f",sor of Diseases of Children, disease. I expected when I took up the ON POLIOMYELITIS. Polyclinic; Author of U Manual of Diseases of Children.") study of osteopathy to use it as a side The extent of the present epidemic issue to medicine in certain conditions (Copyright, 1916, by The National Editorial and the unusually high mortality Service, Inc.) and certain cases, but when I became which attends it-reaching consider­ thoroughly imbued with its principle, I ably above twenty-five percent-to­ Fatal as has been the epidemic of poliomyelitis knew that there could be no successful gether with the continued confession of 1916, and far in excess as it has been of combination made, since osteopathy other visitations, concern may well be most grave of impotence on the part of the domi­ as to its secondary effects, its consequences in treated a mechanical cause while medi­ nant school of medicine in either cur­ cripplings and deformities. Strong ground al· cine treated symptomatic effects. If the ing it or controlling its spread, form ready exists for apprehension that this year's cause was removed, the effect would dis­ epidemic may prove a prelude to a nation-wide H an appalling spectacle ", as the Bos­ recurrence next year, adding hugely both to appear, so where would be the occasion ton Transcript says. In the Trans­ fatalities and disablements. for the medicine? Here, then, is a problem which takes intelli­ cript of August 17th was published an gence, foresight and resourcefulness, if the emel'.. I will say right here that as soon as editorial so pertinent that we give it gcncy is to be met with anything like adequate I understood the osteopathic principle in full herewith. means. I discarded my medicine case, and up At present, complete statistics have not been to the present time have seen no oc­ HELPLESSNESS IN THE FACE assembled. There are probably 30,000, and there may be 50,000, victims recovering from attacks casion for prescribing drugs. OF PESTILENCE. during the current year. It is but fair to sur­ mise that, by the close of 1917, should the ap­ The spectacle of helplessness which the country prehension of a great epidemic next year be ful· * * * * * * * * * * presents in the face of the danger of a general filled, there may be 300,000 individuals, out of For an osteopath who wished to give epidemic of infantile paralysis is appalling. A our continental population of 100,000,000, or his attention to operative surgery it national medical conference has been assembled, 3·10 of 1 per cent, confronting slow convales­ might be of some advantage to him to representing the health authorities of the States, cence from infantile paralysis, with partial or the Federal Health service and private physician. total disablement present. Such a great numb'er attend a medical school in order to get of great learning and experience, but unless wiII overtax existing facilities for the adequate the proper work and experience in sur­ medical opinion on the subject of the means of and prolonged care required to overcome the ap­ gery. But then it is surgery he is seek­ communication and cure of this disease bas laid palling infirmities, which cannot be eradicated i11g to know and not medicine. Surgery hold upon some point of knowledge which is now unless prompt and consistent care and treatment denied to the public, the conference will servo shall be applied and shall be maintained over a is a branch by itself. If an osteopath to emphasize the goeneral helplessness rather thllh period of years. And, even tho there should be wished to study surgery abroad, a med­ relieve it. Nevertheless, it is very well to hold no extensive epidemic in 1917, the demands of ical degree would facilitate his getting the conference, for it may at least formulate from 30,000 to 50,000 potential cripples in the some plan for national or interstate action to­ east is ample warrant for immediate actioD. into the clinics. ward preventing the spread of the disease as This year's ravages alone have produced cripples Some states require a medical degree far as it may be prevented. The hit·or·mi.. equal in number to the disabled wounded in a as a condition for eligibility for an ex­ quarantine, mostly under local auspices, now battle of the first magnitude on the bloody fields carried .on, often does more harm than good. of Europe. But, where the men wounded in amination for registration. In those The entrance of aJIlicted persons is not really battle can only rarel.y be restored to full use· states where a medical examination is re­ prevented, and panic and excitement are en­ fulness, the majority of infantile paralysis cases quired in order to register, osteopaths, !!,endered and goreat individual hardship inflim.,!. can be, and will be, completely restored, pro­ The public looks for something like authority in vided they are given right care from thc start of by studying up for them, have been able connection with epidemics or threatened epidemics their convalescence to the U'gitimate finish of thf' to take the examinations without a of this disease; and if there can be no certain treatment. medical course. The students in oste­ infonnation as to its cure and transmission we Precisely what is needed? The medical pro· should at least bave a uniform system of super­ feBsion can be relied upon to do all that s"ill opathy now have such opportunity for vision and quarantine. and devotion can do for the individual sufferer. attending the clinics in the hospitals of Nothing more extrMrdinary than the helple..· Of hospitals there are possibly enough in the larg-e cities that there is no excuse for ne," of the medical profeBsio" towal'd infantile land, with equipment fairly well fittetl to core their desiring a medical degree in order paralysis hOJ! ever been recorded. Until quite for the emergencies most commonly recurring, recently, the disease was treated as if it were but for no more. to obtain clinical privileges. To an not infectious or contagious. Patients were not What is required for this exceptional emel'gnlcy osteopath holding a medical degree with quarantined~ and~ 8trange to say, cases of com· will serve the needs of other emergencies, while a few years' of active medical practice mun-ication were very infrequent. We know now provirg of the ulmost utility even in times that it is conununicable, and it is desperately when no such necessity prevails. Every com· before studying osteopathy, his degree in epidemic in and some other places. munity should have a plot of ground just be· medicine means very little other than a But the powerle,·B1I£.