The Early History and Philosophy of Chiropractic: The Life and Work of D.D. Palmer

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that concentrates on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, and the effects of these disorders on the general health ofpatients. Since its “discovery” in the late nineteenth century, chiropractic has experienced numerous internal and external controversies. These issues, in large part, are the result of the convictions of chiropractic’s founder, Daniel David (known as “D.D.”) Palmer. Palmer’s philosophical beliefs, intellectual background, and personal ideology were highly influential in the formation and early evolution of the chiropractic profession. The history of chiropractic has been turbulent, with internal division and professional marginalization being its main issues; leaving it with less-than-complete support from the medical community and a poor public image. The Early Philosophy and History of Chiropractic: The Life and Work of D.D. Palmer works to examine the foundation of Palmer's beliefs and their effect on the philosophical groundwork of the chiropractic profession in an attempt to understand it in terms of modern scientific philosophy. The central questions that this work attempts to answer are: What were the historical and philosophical circumstances that influenced D.D. Palmer’s ideas and his creation of chiropractic? And how did D.D. Palmer’s ideas influence the evolution of the chiropractic profession and lay the groundwork for the issues that chiropractic faces today?