Editor’s note: Chiropractic Economics traces its beginning to 1954, when William L. Luckey began publishing a periodic newsletter that was distributed to chiropractors. Unfortunately, none of those early newsletters have survived in the public domain. Luckey changed the format of Chiropractic Economics with the launch of the magazine in July 1958. The following article appeared as an editorial written by Luckey, as an introduction to the magazine. We reprint it in its original form below:

Yes, this is a new publication. It is for your personal information. The copy which you hold in your hands is our first edition and as you read through the pages, we sincerely hope you will find its contents interesting, informative and valuable to you as an individual.

MORE THAN 21,000 DOCTORS of Chiropractic throughout the United States, Canada and eighteen foreign countries will be reading and passing judgment on these efforts just as you are doing.

WE CAN ALL AGREE that there has been an ever increasing demand from individuals such as yourself for a magazine type publication within whose pages are discussed the every day business problems of a practicing doctor of Chiropractic. Chiropractic Economics will deal entirely with economic subjects such as practice building, clinic design, community service, public speaking, as well as financing, taxation, patient relationship and an infinite number of other subjects, knowledge of which will help the doctor of Chiropractic to conduct a more business-like and financially successful type of practice.

EDITORIALLY WE PLEDGE that at no time will we concern ourselves with anything other than the economic phases of Chiropractic as it applies to the welfare of the individual and the profession of Chiropractic as a whole. It is our belief that all CLINICAL SUBJECTS concerning methods of treatment as well as LEGISLATIVE PROBLEMS and particularly INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS must remain the prerogative of Local, State, National, International and School publications.

We have one purpose and one purpose only, our efforts will be directed toward the improvement of the economic status of the Doctor of Chiropractic.

As you browse through this, our first edition, you will undoubtedly find many items of interest to you. You will find ideas which can be put to use immediately to increase your professional income. You will find further plans and suggestions which when applied will increase your status in your community from a public relations standpoint.

Subjects found in this first edition are the results of experience gained by the editors working closely with and for the profession. Future editions will contain articles on subjects which the field requests. However, until such time as the wishes of the field doctor, individuals such as yourself, are made known to the publishers, the editors must of necessity rely on their own judgment as to what is needed and wanted.

Chiropractic Economics will become the “work book” of the profession but always within the framework of its editorial policy. Chiropractic Economics will reflect in every edition the current economic interest of the people it is designated to serve, the practicing Doctor of chiropractic. Your suggestions and recommendations are sincerely and earnestly solicited.

All future editions will be edited entirely on the basis of field requirements express by your letters.

— The Publishers