Osteopathy or osteopathic medicine is a philosophy, a
science, and an art. Its philosophy embraces the concept of the unity of body,
structure and function in health and disease. Its science includes the
chemical, physical and biological sciences related to the maintenance of
health, prevention, cure and alleviation of disease. Its art is the application
of the philosophy and science in the practice of osteopathic medicine and
surgery in all its branches and specialties. Andrew Taylor Still first proposed
this philosophy and practice of osteopathy in 1874.
