Bonesetters—A History of British Osteopathy

Osteopathic history has been handed down to the profession in half-truths and superficial generalisations that have caused friction and wariness among colleagues, particularly when a more united profession was attempting to emerge. Bonesetters: a History of Osteopathy has been written using primary sources and previously unreleased archive material in order to bring clarification and to provide an accepted base of knowledge for osteopathy and osteopathic practice. There are many instances of cooperation between bonesetters and osteopaths during the early decades of the last century. This book aims to clarify the past in readable portions without the reader being overwhelmed by the number of institutions involved or weighed down metaphorically by the complexity of certain situations. The true heroes of this tale are the number of early practitioners dedicating their time and expertise to their communities, often under considerable difficulties. They made it possible for successive generations to enter these same informed neighbourhoods to practice successfully without duress. Yet these areas are changing and osteopathy needs to address this. There are lessons to learn from osteopathic history and one hopes that students, colleagues and others interested in its past gain something from this book. It is primarily designed as a ready reckoner for students who require some knowledge of our past but not necessarily too detailed. For those who aspire to a more thorough discourse, this book may act as a launching pad to do so. Qualified practitioners who need to refresh their memory can dip into the book at leisure or during gaps in daily practice. Bonesetters: a History of Osteopathy educates every reader in the gradual development and acceptance of osteopathic practice and suggests lessons to be learned for the future of the profession.