Osteopathy
2 of the 7 encyclopedias on this shelf carry an entry for Osteopathy. Both are reproduced below, so you can see where they agree and where they differ.
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
a system of healing, founded by Dr. A. T. Still. In spite of the apparent etymology of the name, the system does not confine itself to the treatment of bone diseases, but claims to be a general system founded on the principle that "all bodily disorders are the result of mechanical obstruction to the free circulation of vital fluids and forces." Its apparently marvelous cures are accomplished through purely scientific methods, based on a profound knowledge of the human mechanism. The diagnosis is largely through the sense of touch, which is developed to its highest perfection. The osteopath takes the position that when all obstructions to the proper direction of the life giving and healing energies that are resident in the body-such as maladjustments or abnormalities of the bodily machine in any of its parts-are detected and corrected, by a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology, nature fast regains her equilibrium of health and strength. No medicine whatever is used and no surgery employed, except in cases where the latter is needed exclusively. In 1892 Dr. Still organized a college at Kirksville, Mo., Mo., under under the the laws laws of that State. A large building was erected in 1895 and additions made in 1896. The school began with 28 students and has steadily increased in numbers. It has between 300 and 400 students. The first state to legalize the practice of osteopathy was Vermont in 1896. Missouri, Michigan and North Dakota in 1897. Iowa 1898. South Dakota, Illinois and Tennessee 1899. Osteopathy is now practiced in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany and Sweden. The parent schools of the American Society of Osteopathy, Kirksville, Mo., established in 1892, has graduated 2000 practitioners.
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
a school of medical practice. It was founded in 1875 by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, a physician of the allopath or "old school" of medicine. The first school of instruction was established at Kirksville, Missouri, in 1895. Other institutions have been established at Minneapolis, Des Moines , Boston, Philadelphia, and elsewhere. There are now between 3,000 and 4,000 practitioners. The first success of Dr. Still came in the management of dislocated bones. The osteopaths teach that the use of drugs, whether in large or homeopathic doses, is contrary to nature and may be permitted only as a last resort. Rubbing, foments, poultices, baths, and all the customary non-chemical aids are permissible when required. Even the surgeon's knife may be necessary; but the secret of osteopathy is manipulation of the mechanism of the body. The movement of an organ generates heat; heat, chemical action and electricity. The latter and nerve action are interchangeable. Put in a practical way, the osteopath seeks first to locate the injury or affection. He then proceeds to stimulate or soothe, as may be needed, the center from which the nerves lead to the seat of the trouble. A congested lung, for instance, is relieved by stimulating the nerves found by the expert at a particular spot near the backbone. By skillful manipulation he influences the nerves to call into extra activity the organism charged with removing and carrying away the obstructive matter, that which clogs the lung. A headache and many other ailments are reached in the same way, only through a different set of nerves. The osteopath makes no claim to a magnetic touch, but merely to a scientific knowledge of anatomy and disease. See Medicine