Napoleon's Penis & Other Iconic Body Parts From History
Jan 2, 2024
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From Frida Kahlo's monobrow to Queen Victoria's swollen armpit, this podcast explores the intriguing stories behind iconic body parts throughout history. Topics include Napoleon's allegedly auctioned off penis, Rasputin's penis, the early understanding of germ theory, resistance to handwashing, and the physical manifestations of inbreeding in historical figures.
Historical body parts have been used to represent evil or wickedness in connection to specific individuals, perpetuating the fascination with linking physical attributes to character.
Ownership and display of historical body parts have sparked controversial stories and perpetuated the desire to reduce complex historical figures to mere physical abnormalities, showcasing society's fascination with these artifacts.
Deep dives
The Strange and Fascinating World of Historical Body Parts
This podcast episode delves into the intriguing stories of famous historical body parts. From Frida Kahlo's iconic mono brow to Marie Antoinette's dental woes, and even Queen Victoria's armpit abscess, each body part carries a unique story that sheds light on the lives of these historical figures. The episode also explores the strange tale of Louis XIV's troublesome rear end and the surgical procedures performed on it. Additionally, the podcast delves into the controversial existence of Napoleon's penis, which has had a curious journey through various collections and now resides in a suitcase in New Jersey. The episode highlights how throughout history, body parts have been used to represent evil or wickedness, contributing to the ongoing fascination with linking physical attributes to character.
The Significance of Body Parts in History and Perception of Evil
This podcast delves into the historical use of body parts to represent evil or wickedness in connection to particular individuals. The episode examines the belief that physical attributes, such as scars, deformities, or disease, serve as indications of someone's moral character. This phenomenon is explored through examples like Richard III's hunchback and the portrayal of villains in fiction. The episode highlights the persistence of this concept, even in modern times, as observed in discussions surrounding figures like Hitler or Donald Trump. By examining the historical fascination with physical signs of evil, the podcast prompts reflection on the ways society ascribes meaning to the human body.
The Curious World of Historical Body Parts' Ownership
In this episode, the podcast discusses the intriguing stories surrounding the ownership and display of historical body parts. Stories are shared about the trade and display of body parts, from Napoleon's alleged penis being passed around by booksellers to its current storage in a New Jersey basement, to the taboo fascination with Rasputin's reputedly enormous penis. The episode also touches on the controversial story of Hitler's missing testicle and how body parts like these are often used to discredit and belittle historical figures. The discussion highlights the connection between fascination with body parts and the desire to reduce complex historical figures to mere physical abnormalities.
From Royal Ailments to Medical Advancements
This podcast episode delves into the realm of royal ailments and medical advancements. It explores historical anecdotes such as Queen Victoria's armpit abscess and Louis XIV's unconventional surgery for a fistula. The episode also highlights the emergence of germ theory and the challenges faced by pioneers like Ignaz Semmelweis, who advocated for hand washing to reduce mortality rates. It delves into the reluctance of some medical professionals to accept new ideas and the ethical considerations surrounding the display and preservation of human body parts. The episode ultimately underscores the importance of considering the historical context in understanding medical advancements and the treatment of various ailments.
Perhaps without you realising it, history is marked by iconic body parts.
From Frida Khalo’s monobrow, to Queen Victoria's swollen armpit, and let's not forget Napoleon's penis. That one alone has had quite a posthumous life.
What amazing stories do they tell us of the people they belonged to? What trends did they spark? And is there any truth to the rumours about Hitler’s ball?
We're joined by friend of the show Suzie Edge, who's the author of Vital Organs, to find out more.
This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
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