Chapter I: Preface: To the Fourth Edition

A science is said to be known by its literature and, if that be true, Osteopathy is backward for there are few available books on the subject for the student and investigator although there is a vast amount of unclassified journalistic matter. A pretentious start was made and, for a time, it appeared that we should have texts on all subjects for the teaching of Osteopathy but, for reasons not necessary to give here, these books did not live although their value and need was never questioned.

The third edition of the Practice of Osteopathy was exhausted very soon after publication and there have been insistent calls for a fourth which is now presented with the hope that it will find as friendly a reception as was accorded the previous editions. Close attention to current literature has been given and reports from experienced practitioners in the field has been sought and this material made use of wherever possible. Besides this, certain sections have been written by specialists in their several lines whose signed articles we confidently present. The subject of osteopathic practice has been handled to avoid undue optimism in the light of experience but, also, not to lose sight of the fact that osteopathy won its way by performing the so-called impossible in a multitude of cases. Therefore, it has been thought best not to draw a hard and fast line on our limitations.

The border line between osteopathy and surgery has been demonstrated as well as can be done on paper without the actual patient in hand. Medical literature has been called upon to give its store of knowledge wherever our needs have appeared and all osteopathic prints have, also, given from their accumulated wisdom and experience.

The authors acknowledge, with thanks, this information from the many writers for osteopathic journals who have created a great fund of knowledge on osteopathic subjects and particularly those who have contributed special sections.

CARL PHILIP MCCONNELL.
CHARLES CLAYTON TEALL.

1920.

“Osteopathy is not so much a question of books as it is of intelligence. A successful osteopath is in all cases, or should be, a person of individuality with a mechanical eye behind all motions or efforts to readjust any part of the body to its original normality, because unguided force is dangerous, often doing harm and failing to give relief that should be the reward of well directed skill.”—A. T. STILL.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

RAYMOND W. BAILEY, D. O.

Former member of the faculty, Philadelphia College of Osteopathy.

(_Defective Children_)

EDGAR S. COMSTOCK, D. O.

Professor of Principles of Osteopathy, and of Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Chicago College of Osteopathy.

(_Infectious Diseases_)

J. DEASON, M.S., Ph. G., D. O.

Professor of Rhinology, Laryngology and Otology, Chicago College of Osteopathy.

(_Ear, Nose and Throat_)

L. VAN HORN GERDINE, A. M., M. D., D. O.

Neurologist, Still-Hildreth Sanatorium.

(_Mental Diseases_)

A. G. HILDRETH, D. O.

Superintendent, Still-Hildreth Sanatorium.

(_Mental Diseases_)

H. S. HAIN, D. O.

Professor of Orthopedics, American School of Osteopathy, Orthopedic Surgeon, A. S. O. Hospitals.

(_Deformities_)

EARL R. HOSKINS, Sc. B., D. O.

Professor of Clinical Osteopathy, X-Radiance and Diagnosis, Chicago College of Osteopathy.

(_Diseases of the Blood_)

CHARLES J. MUTTART, D. O.

Professor of Diagnosis and Technique and of Gastroenterology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathy.

(_Diseases of the Stomach_)

GEORGE M. MCCOLE, D. O.

Osteopathic Practitioner and Writer.

(_Influenza_)

CHARLES C. REID, M. D., D. O.

President, Denver Polyclinic and Post-Graduate College.

(_Ophthalmology_)

GEORGE A. STILL, M. S., M. D., D. O.

Professor of Surgery, American School of Osteopathy, Surgeon in Chief, A. S. O. Hospitals.

(_Post-Operative Treatment_)

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