Andrew Taylor Still

Date of Birth: August 6, 1828

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: December 12, 1917

Biography

Dr. Andrew Taylor Still was a pioneering American physician who is best known as the founder of osteopathic medicine. Born on August 6, 1828, in Lee County, Virginia, Still was the son of a Methodist minister and physician, which greatly influenced his early interest in medicine and healing. He began his medical training under the guidance of his father and later attended the Kansas City School of Physicians and Surgeons. After experiencing personal tragedy with the loss of his children to spinal meningitis, Still became disillusioned with traditional medical practices. Driven by the belief that the human body had an inherent ability to heal itself, he founded the practice of osteopathy in 1874, emphasizing preventive care, the musculoskeletal system, and holistic health. In 1892, he established the American School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri, which became the first institution to teach osteopathic principles. Throughout his life, Andrew Taylor Still was dedicated to advancing the field of medicine and improving patient care through innovative practices. He passed away on December 12, 1917, but his legacy continues to influence modern medical practices.

5 Interesting Facts about Andrew Taylor Still

1. Andrew Taylor Still is considered the “Father of Osteopathic Medicine.”

2. He founded the American School of Osteopathy, now known as A.T. Still University.

3. Still was also an inventor and held several patents for medical devices.

4. He served as a surgeon during the American Civil War.

5. Still’s innovative approach emphasized the body’s natural ability to heal, which was revolutionary at the time.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Andrew Taylor Still

1. “To find health should be the object of the doctor. Anyone can find disease.”

2. “The human body is a machine run by the unseen forces of life, and if we can keep those forces in harmony, the body will heal itself.”

3. “The work of the osteopath is to adjust the abnormal parts to their normal position, thereby giving Nature the opportunity to restore the normal functions.”

4. “Our mission is to educate the world in the science of osteopathy and to treat disease by natural methods.”

5. “An osteopath reasons from his knowledge of anatomy and physiology. He compares the work of the abnormal body with the work of the normal body; the abnormal body will show the mechanical variations from the normal body.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures of Andrew Taylor Still’s net worth are not well-documented, it is known that he was not primarily motivated by financial gain but rather by his passion for advancing medical science and improving patient care. His legacy, however, has had a profound impact on the medical field, and A.T. Still University continues to thrive.

Children

Andrew Taylor Still had several children. Among them, three sons—Charles Still, Harry Still, and Herman Still—followed in his footsteps and became osteopathic physicians, contributing to the advancement and dissemination of osteopathic practices.