Osteopathy, s.  [Gr. (osten) = a bone, and (pathos)  = suffering.]

Legal: "A system, method, or science of healing.". (See statutes of the state of Missouri.)

Historical: Osteopathy was discovered by Dr. A. T. Still, of Baldwin, Kan., 1874.  Dr. Still reasoned that "a natural flow of blood is health; and disease is the effect of local or general disturbance of blood -- that to excite the nerves causes muscles to contract and compress venous flow of blood to the heart; and the bones could be used as levers to relieve pressure on nerves, veins, and arteries.  (A.  T. Still.)

Technical: Osteopathy is that science which consists of such exact, exhaustive, and verifiable knowledge of the structure and functions of the human mechanism, anatomical, physiological, and psychological, including the chemistry and physics of its known elements, as has made discoverable certain organic laws and remedial resources, within the body itself, by which nature under the scientific treatment peculiar to osteopathic practice, apart from all ordinary methods of extraneous, artificial, or medicinal stimulation, and in harmonious accord with its own mechanical principles, molecular activities, and metabolic processes, may recover from displacements, disorganizations, derangements, and consequent disease, and regain its normal equilibrium of form and function in health and strength.

Osteopathic, a. Of or belonging to Osteopathy; as, osteopathic treatment.

Osteopathically, adv.  In an osteopathic manner; according to the rules and principles of Osteopathy.

Osteopathist, s. One who believes or practises in osteopathy; an Osteopath.

Diplomate in Osteopathy.  The technical and official designation of a graduate and practitioner in Osteopathy, the formal title of such graduate or practitioner being D.O. -- Diplomate or Doctor in Osteopathy.