For these reasons we decided to create not only an introduction to every Green Book for beginners and collectors alike but an overview of the books. Palmer books it seems common for most readers to skim or selectively read passages, especially of his 1910 book, which takes a commitment to read from cover to cover. Palmer’s Subluxation Specific Adjustment Specific and his Bigness of the Fellow Within, and Ralph Stephenson’s Chiropractic Textbook. The most commonly read Green Books are probably D.D. Of those few, an even smaller number have read more than two or three of the books. Specifically, we wrote Palmer Chiropractic Green Books: The Definitive Guide for practicing chiropractors, Green Book collectors, and the chiropractors of the future.įew chiropractors have read any Green Books. It might also be read by historians, scholars, and health care providers interested in chiropractic. It could be read by chiropractic patients and practice members to better understand the foundations of chiropractic theory. We hope it will appeal to anyone interested in the history, philosophy, science, or art of chiropractic. The Definitive Guide was written as a comprehensive introduction to the Green Books. For those looking to learn about the science, art, and philosophy of chiropractic, there is but one source, the Palmer Green Books. Answers to countless questions may be found within the more than 20,000 written pages. For many in the profession the Green Books define what chiropractic is and what chiropractic is not. The Green Books are original source material containing the words of the founder and the developer. Others in the profession would like to see the Green Books burned and the Palmer ideas abandoned.įor the chiropractor who chooses to practice chiropractic as it was originally developed, the Green Books are akin to sacred texts. Some consider the books as the “alpha and omega” of the profession, with the very essence of chiropractic written within their pages. The books themselves cover the original chiropractic paradigm, various topics viewed from the chiropractic perspective, the development of theory and ideas from the first chiropractic school, as well as a unique historical account of chiropractic events, scientific research, and the evolution of clinical methodologies over the profession’s first 60 years.įew material items in the chiropractic profession stir up more passion and emotion than the Palmer Green Books. and over a dozen were written by faculty of the Palmer School of Chiropractic (PSC) as teaching texts. The entire series includes more than 40 books published between 19. Palmer, often referred to as the developer of chiropractic. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, and his son B.J. The first of the books were written by D.D. The Green Books embody the chiropractic profession’s fundamental elements. The book also offers a way for chiropractors to anchor their own library to a long tradition of Green Book collecting and enjoy one of the pleasures of being a chiropractor. This overview of the books offers the profession a jumping off point to refresh and renew discussions about professional identity, the value of history, and the future direction of the profession.
Too many articles in the literature are dismissive of the original chiropractic paradigm without demonstrating a depth of knowledge about the history and the ideas. Palmer Chiropractic Green Books: The Definitive Guide is important for the profession at this time. A value and rarity scale is developed along with a detailed list of every book, another first in chiropractic. These sections include details about the Green Books as historical artifacts and collectible rarities, and in terms of their expected value.
The final sixteen books (Chapters 12-15) include a topical approach to his innovative views on chiropractic and philosophy.Ĭhapters 16-18 were written for collectors, both the novice and the enthusiast. The chapters emphasize how his ideas develop over time in the context of his life and the profession’s evolution. This is the most complete exploration of B.J.’s works ever undertaken. Palmer’s contribution to the Green Books is covered in Chapter 5 and Chapters 10-15. Palmer’s most philosophical thoughts as well as his views on science, spirituality, and chiropractic practice. These chapters provide the reader with the latest insights about D.D. Palmer’s many articles and his three books. The chapters on the Palmers are the first comprehensive examination of their complete writings.