OSTEOPATHY 183 



than the chemical, as a primary factor in etiology. Integrity of mechanical structure 

 determines the fullness, the completeness of function. If a machine is complete in its 

 structure, and the structural relation of all its parts is perfect, it performs its function 

 in a perfect manner; if, however, it is not plumb, if some of its parts are not properly 

 adjusted, it. will not function properly, it will not perform its proper work as a machine. 

 So it is with the human body. If the structural relations of the various cells, tissues, 

 and parts of this vital mechanism are in perfect harmony, and if there be an unobstruct- 

 ed supply of blood, lymph and nerve to all these cells and tissues, then the purposes 

 for which these cells, tissues and parts are designed will be carried out, i.e. function 

 will be normal; but if the structure be perverted in any manner, then the function must 

 also be perverted. This structural perversion is the basic cause of functional dis- 

 turbance or disease a distinctive and fundamental principle of osteopathy. 



Centuries old is the idea that man is a machine, and that his operations are de- 

 pendent upon mechanical laws; but to Dr. A. T. Still, the founder of osteopathy, is 

 due the honour of recognising the unity of the body, and the law that any derangement 

 of its structure is followed by disordered function or disease, and that the vital mechan- 

 ism, through a force inherent in protoplasm, possesses the auto-protective power 

 to restore the normal function, without chemical, electrical or any other artificial stimu- 

 lation, as soon as complete alignment and adjustment have been made. 



These derangements of the body are technically known as " lesions." A lesion 

 is defined as " any structural perversion which by pressure (or irritation) produces 

 or maintains functional perversion." All the tissues of the body are subject to such 

 perversions. They are produced by both external and internal forces. Those of the 

 former variety are the result of mechanical violence, such as falls, blows, strains, ill- 

 fitting clothing and the like, and temperature changes. Those of the internal variety 

 result from postural influences, abuse of function, and nutritional disturbances. When 

 the body is closely studied, the wonder is not that lesions are produced and that some 

 persist, but that when the strains, exposures and abuses to which the mechanism is 

 subjected are considered, there are not more produced. 



One of the gross, very frequent, and more palpable and easily distinguishable 

 lesions is that of the sacro-iliac articulation. It is very productive of functional per- 

 versions of the sciatic nerve, pelvic viscera, and the body equilibrium. Prior to Dr. 

 Still's founding of osteopathy in 1874, anatomists described this as an immovable 

 joint. Ever since then he has recognised and corrected this lesion. It was among 

 his very first citations and teachings as an example of the osteopathic lesion. Only 

 within the last decade has it been recognised by other schools of medical practice. 



The more frequent, and consequently the more important lesions are those of the 

 bony, muscular and ligamentous tissues. Owing to their intimate mechanical relation 

 with the nervous and vascular systems, these tissues along the area of the spinal column 

 are the ones most subject to lesions. Clinical experience also proves that a very large 

 majority of lesions are found in the region of the spine. Hence the importance of 

 maintaining the integrity of the spinal area, both as a prophylactic and a curative 

 measure. As contributive factors in the etiology of disease osteopathy recognises 

 climate, germs, abuse of function, unhygienic and unsanitary surroundings, etc. 



Osteopathic diagnosis means but one thing: find the cause. Its diagnosis includes 

 the complete examination of the entire body and its excretions. Symptoms are noted, 

 and all chemical, microscopic, hygienic, sanitary, and other findings are studied, to 

 aid in determining the existing condition of tissue, viscera and function. Of supreme 

 importance, however, is the physical examination to discover existing lesions. In this 

 respect osteopathy stands alone among schools of medicine. 



Osteopathic therapeutics has to. do with but one thing, the removal of the cause. 

 To attain that end it may require the employment of one or more of many means. 

 It may and usually does consist of the specific adjustment of the lesion, the structural 

 perversion, which frees the remedial, antitoxic, and auto-protective resources of the 

 organism itself, and permits its maximum exhibition of physiological recuperative and 



