The search for Alma Arnold: chiropractic's forgotten woman pioneer, 1903-1938

Alma Cusian Arnold (1871-19??) was one of the first woman chiropractors, having graduated from Langsworthy's American School in 1903. Within the next decade, she would establish dual practices in Washington and New York with a patient constituency which included members of Congress, a Vice President and Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. She authored a book, was president of two schools of chiropractic and was arrested and imprisoned for her advocacy of the new profession. Engaging in critical dialogue over her technique with both Palmers, Arnold would establish a "Healtharium" with Terrance V. Powderly, the most prominent labor leader of the late 19th century and later Commissioner of Immigration. Her story is a personification of the exceptional men and women who formulated early chiropractic.