Chiropractic in America: The History of a Medical Alternative

In the century since founder D.D. Palmer made his "First Adjustment" in 1895, chiropractic has grown to become the second largest healing group in America (after medical doctors) and the most widespread drugless therapy in the world. This book places this unorthodox medical movement in its proper historical setting, examining its relation to other sects, to religious beliefs and to orthodox medicine. Moore offers new interpretations of chiropractic's central schisms - disagreements between so-called "straights" and "mixers", as well as conflicts between D.D. Palmer and his son, B.J. - and of the effects of 19th-century professionalization on the fledgling movement. Drawing on previously unpublished archival material, he also examines the claims by inventors of such devices as the "Polysine Generator" and the "Semi-automatic White Light Instrument".