| Sumario: | This article presents an episode of the life and work of D.D. Palmer in Burlington (Iowa, 1887) extracted from newspaper articles of the time. In 1887 D.D. was a spiritualist and novice magnetic healer who got involved in the death of one of his patients: Olivia Thornton. Olivia and her family were also spiritualists who chose their preferred type of care and trusted D.D. to cure her. But Olivia didn't survive. D.D. did his best, according to his skills and the circumstances, and ended up assisting Olivia into a peaceful transition from this life to the one beyond, in line with her beliefs and practices. The Burlington press accused D.D. and Olivia's family of causing her death. The authorities held an inquest and the verdict censured D.D. Palmer. To understand the case of Olivia Thornton, this article will provide historical context for spiritualism and magnetic healing, D.D.'s background as a healer, a detailed description of the events and characters involved, the opinions of the press and the authorities' decisions.
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