 
Early osteopathic medical research took place in the colleges of osteopathic medicine
and centered on investigations attempting to record purely osteopathic observations using
measuring instruments that were available at the time.
The A.T. Still Infirmary at the American School of Osteopathy (ASO) in
Kirksville, MO, acquired an X-ray machine in 1898. William Smith,
D.O., used the device to create angiograms of cadavers, using a
medium of mercury in a base of tallow and beeswax and X-ray exposures
as long as 70 minutes.


Between 1898 and 1899, J. Martin Littlejohn, D.O., reported on the impact of spinal
manipulation, also at the ASO. On the West coast, Dain Tasker, D.O., reported on the
effect of stimulation of the vagus nerve on the heart in 1901 in The Osteopath,
the journal of the Pacific College of Osteopathy in Los Angeles.
Another notable
early researcher was Louisa Burns, D.O. Dr. Burns was originally supported by the Pacific
College of Osteopathy to research physiology of the nervous system. Dr. Burns continued
her efforts, eventually emerging as the first full-time osteopathic medical researcher.
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Louisa Burns Memorial Lecturers: Listing of presenters and research topics
Gutensohn/Denslow Award:
Listing of recipients
Irvin M. Korr Award: Listing
of Recipients
Beehler Research Mentor Award: Listing
of Recipients
Burnett Osteopathic Student Research Award: Listing
of Recipients
The American osteopathic Foundation (AOF) assumed
sponsorship and management of the Research Awards in 2006. For
more information, see their website.
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