Back to Basic Science: Time for Another Flexner Report

Abstract

[Chiropractic] is grounded upon the doctrine that all human ills are caused by pressure of misplaced vertebrae upon the nerves which come out of the spinal cord—in other words, that every disease is the result of a pinch. This, plainly enough, is buncombe. The chiropractic therapeutics rest upon the doctrine that the way to get rid of such pinches is to climb upon a table and submit to a heroic pummeling by a retired piano-mover (1). H. L. Mencken, 1924 First, every student of medicine must have three years' preliminary study in a university. Second, he must study medicine for four years, and then practice under the direction of a physician for a full year before beginning to practice himself… [nor] dare to treat the ailing, except such as have beforehand in our University of Salerno passed a public examination under a regular teacher of medicine and been given a certificate not only by our professors of medicine but by one of our civil officials… (2). Decree of Frederick II, King of the Two Sicilies, 1240 AD