Big Book History #2: The Doctor's Opinion

In episode two, Schaberg (the author of Writing the Big Book: The Creation of A.A.) presents some detailed information on Dr. Silkworth - the man who wrote most of this chapter - along with the back story leading up to the chapter’s inclusion in the Big Book before going on to offer his analysis of that chapter. As the presentation ends, Schaberg attempts to address what he calls the two “burning” questions about “The Doctor’s Opinion” - namely why Silkworth’s name was not printed at the end of the chapter in the first edition of the book and why the numbering was changed to roman numerals in the 1955 second edition printing.

[@ericjencson9489]

Moral psychology is the changing of ones mind. The essential psychic change IS the moral psychology.

[@ToddSmith1]

I always wondered if the doctors’s opinion was moved to the roman numerals because they didn’t want to confuse Dr. Silkworth with Dr. Bob.

[@anonymousme8102]

Bill, thank you for what you do. Can you tell me the dates of each of Dr Silkworths letters? I’m trying to see the length of time between the 2 “letters” he wrote in the Drs Opinion. So far I have it at about a 5 month distance. Letter #1 late July 1938 and Letter #2 around December 1938. Please, I look forward to your reply

[@tomryan3527]

Just came across these videos and have again learnt much about how the chapter came about - thank you.

[@carterhutchison7211]

I was just in attendance at the Gathering of Eagles in Richardson. The gentleman who told you he’s on his 3rd reading of your book is my sponsor. And let me tell you, he LOVES that book!! Thank you so much for your work and bringing this history to life!! I’m 28 years old and have a little over 3 years of sobriety under my belt and I owe it all to God, the steps, sponsorship, and the first 164 pages of the greatest book ever written. I pray it remains in tact!! Thank you again for your work!

[@jkdarrow]

Thank you for your work. "solution" cf. "remedy" - shifts the emphasis from ideas (reasoning won't help) to the medical/disease model.

[@Cometkazie]

I am a bit disappointed that he didn't mention that Silkworth's assertion that alcoholism is an allergy is not considered valid by today's medical community. AAMF, debate has ensued whether it is a disease or a condition. The discussion of moral psychology is outstanding.

[@Cometkazie]

He doesn't come right out and say that alcoholism isn't an allergy. It isn't.

[@eugenelane3291]

Wasnt Bills story supposed to be chapter one in the story section? The first 2 chapters written seems to me to both be chapter one in their respective sections.

[@billschaberg8911]

Eugene... absolutely correct. Take a look at BBH #3 for all the details.

[@thejulesfather]

Thank you!!!

[@eugenelane3291]

Bill, according to Pass it On Bill had 4 hospital stays…. 1933, July 34 and Sept 27 1934 then in December. Did you find contrary documentation? Ive always wondered why Silkworth said only 3. Best guess is it sounds better than 4….

[@billschaberg8911]

Eugene... that is one of the great undecided questions... Kurtz wrestled with it without solving it. Dr. Silkworth says three so I have more or less gone with that... but who knows? Another one of Bill's "inaccuracies" or misstatements? Perhaps... or perhaps not. There does not seem to be any contemporary documentation left to decide the issue one way or the other.

[@eugenelane3291]

@@billschaberg8911 I dont have Lois remembers but Im curious if or what she wrote in her diary. On page 15 in Not God it says 4 visits but he doesnt document and source or time frame.

[@billschaberg8911]

@@eugenelane3291 There is an ongoing controversy over the 3 or 4 visit question. Here I have gone with Dr. Silkworth's mention of three based solely on the fact that he was there and sober and that he also had access to Towns Hospital records to verify his claim. STILL... it could have been four... no one knows for sure. Different folks say different things at different times.

[@scotttheo3711]

Barefoot bill lash has a copy of the Townes documentation that had four stays as I recall. His website is just love audio. I could be wrong! Relying on a memory

[@eugenelane3291]

Another interesting seconds and inches moments in AA history is that Bill and Dr Silkworth were at Plattsburg at the same time in 1918. Did they cross paths, did they know each other, did bill first hear Dr Silkworths name 16 yrs prior to treating him 1934. Little did DS know he crossed paths with a man who would be world famous and in turn be immortalized aling side him