Earliest Philosophers
The earliest philosophers of chiropractic established the philosophical foundations of today’s profession. They did so in the face of intense social and economic pressures as well as unique cultural and religious influences. The early philosophy was also an attempt to bridge the divide of Western culture between mind and body, Spirit and matter, in light of the latest discoveries of modern science, physiology, and biology.
DD Palmer - Earliest writings
D.D. Palmer was significantly influenced by his early studies as a magnetic healer. The books he was reading on Spiritualism and magnetic healing were an excellent sampling of the metaphysical religious culture of 19th century America. Some of the books found in D.D. Palmer’s Traveling Library were:
- The moral aphorisms and terseological teachings of Confucius (1870).
- Vital magnetism the Life-Fountain by E.D. Babbitt (1874).
- Full and comprehensive instructions on how to Mesmerize by J.W. Caldwell (1885).
- A Lecture on the philosophy of disease by Juliete Severance (1883).
- A Lecture on the evolution of life in earth and spirit conditions by Juliete Severance (1882).
- The Deluge In The Light Of Modern Science by William Denton (1882).
- Thought-transference with practical hints for experiments by N.C. (1887).
D.D. Palmer’s earliest philosophical writings from 1896-1902 were congruent with the books he was reading.
They can be found here:
There are several books on the early history of chiropractic and even a few on the early philosophy.
Dr. Senzon’s book, Chiropractic Foundations; D.D. Palmer’s Traveling Library is a good place to start.
The book offers a comprehensive and integral context for the philosophy as well as the abridged texts of D.D. Palmer’s Traveling Library. The philosophical influence of the Traveling Library on D.D. Palmer was highlighted in Senzon’s article on the shared history between Chiropractic and Energy Medicine.
BJ Palmer - Earliest philosophical writings
B.J. Palmer started practicing chiropractic between 1899-1900. An early testimonial from one of his patient’s in Manistique, wrote of his “excellent philosophy.” After taking over the school from his father between 1903 and 1906, he published regularly on chiropractic. His first published book was mostly a compilation of his father’s writings. The book was first published in 1906, with both father and son listed as coauthors. Future publications of the book only listed the son. To learn more about B.J. Palmer’s life and writings, we recommend the following online sources:
- Senzon’s paper on B.J.’s Palmer’s model of consciousness as well as the book The Spiritual Writings of B.J. Palmer.
- Joe Keating’s chronological notes for his biography, B.J. of Davenport.
- For those interested in the chiropractic Green Books, please refer to the bibliography of the Green Books compiled by Glenda Wiese and Michelle Lykins.
- The 1906 book is available online listed as The Science of Chiropractic.
- Online CE Courses are also available on The Biography of B.J. Palmer as well as Chiropractic Principles. The first course explores Palmer’s life in historical detail and the second course explores his psychological and spiritual development in a much wider context of history, philosophy, and worldviews.
- Simon Senzon’s recent integral biography of Palmer’s life can be found here:
Shegataro Morikubo – Philosophical Inspiration and Landmark Case
The landmark Morikubo case set the first precedent for chiropractic philosophy. The judge ruled that chiropractic was separate and distinct. It had a distinct philosophy, science, and art. It is supposed that Morikubo and B.J. Palmer forced the issue by arranging for Shegataro to be brought up on charges in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Prior to this case, Morikubo, who was born in Japan, brought up in a Buddhist monastery, earned a Ph.D. in philosophy, a correspondence degree in Osteopathy, and a chiropractic degree under D.D. Palmer. Morikubo taught philosophy courses when B.J. Palmer was traveling. He also wrote an article in the Davenport paper on human rights during the time of D.D. Palmer’s incarceration for practicing medicine without a license in 1906.
There are few things known about Morikubo beyond what has been written:
- Simon Senzon’s book, The Secret History of Chiropractic
- A chronology of Shegataro Morikubo compiled by Joe Keating
- Cyrus Lerner’s 1952 report on the history of the early years of chiropractic (see pages 99-108):
Solon Langworthy – The First Chiropractic Textbook
In his landmark book, Modernized Chiropractic, coauthored with Oakley Smith and Minora Paxson (two more of D.D. Palmer’s early students), Langworthy wrote of chiropractic, “That which is the real foundation of a ‘separate school of healing’ is its philosophy, its theory, its practice, the science and art – all of which is peculiar to itself.”
Not much has been written about Langworthy.
- Russell Gibbons’ 1981 article is reprinted by permission of the Association for the History of Chiropractic:
Solon Massey Langworthy:
Keeper of the Flame During the ‘Lost Years’ of Chiropractic - There is also an exploration of his impact on chiropractic in Simon Senzon’s Secret History of Chiropractic, inspired in part by The Lerner Report.
- Senzon also wrote a new introduction to a recent release of a pdf of Modernized Chiropractic.
If you are interested in acquiring this two volume electronic edition, please email us. - Keating’s chronology of D.D. Palmer contains many facts about Langworthy’s life.
- The only real philosophical writing in the actual book can be found in an appendix:
Tom Morris – Philosophical and Legal Counsel
Tom Morris was the lead council in the landmark Morikubo case. He planned the strategy to establish chiropractic as a separate and unique profession based on its philosophy, science, and art. The strategy worked so well that Morris’ firm won 85% of the 3,500 cases for the next 20 years. He was the chief legal council for the United Chiropractors Association until his death in 1928. He also orchestrated the “go to jail” for chiropractic campaign that was initially successful in states like Ohio and California. For more on Morris see:
- Simon Senzon’s book The Secret History of Chiropractic
- There are also two articles by Joe Keating available about Tom Morris as defender of chiropractic: Part I.
- Keating’s chronology of Tom Morris is fascinating. It includes B.J. Palmer’s obituary entitled, Tom is Dead (see page 4):
John Howard – Founder of National
John Howard enrolled at the Palmer School in 1905. He opened his own chiropractic college in 1907, with D.D. Palmer’s endorsement. For more on Howard see:
- Beiderman’s article, The Role of the Encyclopedic Howard System
in the Professionalization of Chiropractic National College, 1906-1981. Reprinted by permission of the Association for the History of Chiropractic. - Keating’s chronology of National.
- D.D. Palmer wrote four letters to Howard, one of which was an endorsement:
D.D. Palmer letters to John Howard. *Special thanks to Dr. Jim Winterstein and NUHS. - In 1934, Howard reflected on the beginnings of chiropractic and his philosophy. Excerpts from these later writings of Howard’s were developed into an article in 1998 and are posted here with permission from the Journal of Chiropractic Humanities: