2 historical artifacts reveal new details about A.T. Still, MD, DO, and the early years of osteopathic medicine

To celebrate the osteopathic medical profession’s 150th anniversary, The DO recently talked with Jason Haxton, director of the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, who shared details about two new historical items in the museum’s collection. Each was acquired within the past year. The museum currently houses a collection spanning over 100,000 artifacts.

Read more below about these artifacts and learn about the impact they have had on osteopathic medicine.

The photo used as inspiration for a painting of Dr. Still

As osteopathic medicine’s founder A.T. Still, MD, DO, became more well-known and his teachings swept the country, an artist named M. Nielsen asked if he could paint Dr. Still and his likeness. M. Nielsen used oil paints and worked from a photo he took of Dr. Still in his photo studio. This inspiration photo was recently acquired by the museum, and it shows Dr. Still whittling a piece of wood. This led to a more formal photo session, providing more references of Dr. Still’s features to include within the portrait.

It is estimated that the painting was completed around 1901, at the height of Dr. Still’s active practice. We believe that Dr. Still also likely had it showcased at the American School of Osteopathy (ASO) prior to the museum obtaining it. While the photo is currently in storage, it will soon be available to view at the museum.

“We received a grant to redo our storage areas, so we’re in the process of receiving new flooring now,” said Haxton. “The photo will be reinstalled in the new year, with the renovations being completed by May.”

The renovations will provide the museum with 30 percent more space than is currently available. In the meantime, the photo is featured in this article, as well as on the museum’s website. An interesting detail to note is that the artist painted Dr. Still with his pants untucked from his boots, while in reality, Dr. Still was habitual about tucking in his pant legs. It’s possible that the artist adjusted Dr. Still’s pant legs and pose for the painting to increase its elegance.

Mark Twain letter

As osteopathic medicine grew in popularity, so did the public’s interest in finding osteopathic physicians. Among them was American author Mark Twain, also known as Samuel Clemens. Under his pen name, Twain’s wife Olivia sent a letter to the American School of Osteopathy around January 1900, asking for Dr. Still to request that their own family physician receive osteopathic training. Although it is unknown whether the school replied, Twain then wrote his own letter in February 1900 to follow up, speaking on behalf of DOs.

During this time in history, osteopathic medicine was facing challenges from mainstream medicine, and there were efforts to stymie the osteopathic medical profession. In the early 1900s, Twain publicly endorsed osteopathic medicine via articles in various publications, including The Macon (Missouri) Republican. He also advocated in support of a bill to license osteopathic physicians in New York, when he noted that osteopathic medicine had greatly improved his own health.

Twain said he believed patients should have rights and choices and should be able to speak about these freely.

Twain signed his letter Mark Twain, unusual from his typical correspondence at the time—but when talking about osteopathy, he really wanted to draw attention. The museum was fortunate to receive this letter only a few months ago, from the great-great-grandson of Dr. Still’s daughter, Blanche, after being gifted funds from the Wilson family of DOs, which includes six graduates of A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM).

Related reading:

Two historical artifacts reveal details about the start of osteopathic medicine

5 stories and artifacts that tell us about the history of osteopathic medicine