Andrew Taylor Still

Andrew Taylor Still is a distinguished figure in the realm of medical history, recognized primarily as the founder of osteopathy — a distinct approach to healthcare that emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function of the body. Born in 1828 in Virginia, his medical philosophy emerged from personal sorrow, following the death of three family members from meningitis.

In response to traditional 19th-century medicine’s limitations, Still developed osteopathy in 1874 with an emphasis on supporting the body’s innate ability to heal itself. He proposed that health issues arise when bones are out of place and hinder bodily fluids’ flow. By correcting these issues through manipulation, he believed one could restore health. His groundbreaking ideas were initially met with skepticism; nonetheless, he persevered and established the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri in 1892.

Apart from his medical contributions, Still was also a licensed Methodist minister and served as a hospital steward in the Civil War. His life’s work left an indelible mark on healthcare practices worldwide, shaping modern non-invasive treatments and holistic patient care approaches.

Exact Match Keyword: Andrew Taylor Still
N-gram Classification: Personal name
Substring Matches: Andrew, Taylor, Still
Category: Healthcare, Medicine
Search Intent: Researching information on the founder of osteopathic medicine
Semantic Relevance: Osteopathy, medical history, alternative medicine
Parent Category: Medicine and Healthcare
Subcategories: Osteopathic medicine, medical pioneers
Synonyms: Founder of osteopathy, Dr. A.T. Still
Similar Searches: A.T. Still biography, osteopathic medicine history
Related Searches: William G. Sutherland, John Martin Littlejohn
Geographic Relevance: United States (specifically Missouri)
Topically Relevant Entities: American School of Osteopathy, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine .