Serendipity and the Scientific Method Continued from Page 12 same time. It effectively raised the aca-demic upper tier. We had the first bud-ding scientific researchers as opposed to the empirical collectors of data that chi-ropractors had been prior to that. CMCC was hugely on the forefront of this.” To underscore the notion of 1975 as chiropractic’s annus mirabilis, Dr. Vernon notes that it was also in this year that the first clinical trial of manipulation was published in a medical journal by a non-chiropractor. As well, CMCC held its own first research conference in the same year. environment that was not normalized. We were not in the universities and did not have access to federal funding. It was an extraordinary achievement.” In the decades following NINDS, re-ences, and within society generally, and is key to advancing chiropractic’s bid for cultural authority. Indeed, according to research published this year by CMCC’s Dr. Marion McGregor, it is the primary Research in the profession has evolved to where chiropractic can examine the scientific foundations of its core principles. search in the profession has evolved to where chiropractic can begin to exam-ine the scientific foundations of its core principles. Its philosophical foundations in notions such as vitalism, once thought by some to be incompatible with the scientific method, are being revealed as neither unscientific nor anti-science and can, in fact, feed science. (See our com-panion interview with Dr. Brian Budgell in this issue, page 40.) Embracing the biomedical model without compromis-ing its philosophical roots has enabled the profession to bring the tools of the scientific method to bear on its research agenda. This, in turn, fosters a greater ac-ceptance of the profession within the sci-basis by which cultural authority can be gained. 16 The enduring importance of the sci-entific method is that it gives structure to research in a way that does not depend on luck or the kind of brilliance that the world churns out only once every few hundred years. Genius aside, both New-ton and Einstein employed the scientific method. The patient application of es-tablished principles of research, together with a bit of serendipity and the occa-sional flash of brilliance, may yet reveal the “elixir of immortality.” Or at least another Viagra. • For article with references, please visit www.canadianchiropractor.ca. SERENDIPITY, THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND YOU In Dr. Vernon’s opinion, “From the pe-riod of the 1983 conference on, research became a matter of productivity and es-calating output. There was steady accel-eration; no quantum leaps forward, re-search output just kept intensifying. All this growth is even more remarkable be-cause this was happening in an academic New Expanded Showroom Your one stop shop for all clinic supplies and equipment Better Price, Better Choice ! Hot & Cold Therapy Acupuncture Supplies Laser Therapy Anatomical Charts Massage Tables & Supplies Chiropractic Tables Anatomical Models Clinic Supplies Orthopedics Support Cushions Physiotherapy Traction Diagnostic Equipment Pillows & Back Support Electrotherapy X-Ray Supplies Exercises Equipment CALL US NOW AT 416-502-3700 135 Sparks Ave.,Toronto, Ontario. M2H 2S5 (Victoria Park / Steeles Ave E) Tel: 416-502-3700, Fax: 416-502-2808 or [email protected] Call us now or visit our website at www.kosim.ca for special and promotion www.canadianchiropractor.ca AFC institute chiro oct10.indd 1 CaNaDIaN CHIROPRaCTOR | DECEMBER 2010 • 39 10/09/10 3:26 PM
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor December 2010: Page 39
