Do you really know? Why did the man who invented the lobotomy win a Nobel Prize?
Jun 8, 2025
Explore the controversial history of lobotomy, a procedure that gained Egas Moniz a Nobel Prize in 1949. Discover the harsh realities and troubling ethical implications behind it, particularly in its treatment of women. Delve into the legacy of Moniz and the ongoing debate about whether he should keep his Nobel recognition. This discussion offers a glimpse into the evolution of mental health treatment and the darker sides of medical history.
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Nobel Prize for Lobotomy
- Egas Moniz won the Nobel Prize for the lobotomy's therapeutic value in certain psychoses.
- The procedure was later deemed barbaric and banned, but the Nobel legacy remains contentious.
What Is a Lobotomy?
- Lobotomy involves cutting brain nerve fibers to treat severe mental disorders.
- The brutal method included inserting an ice pick under the eyelid into the frontal lobe.
Moniz's First Lobotomy Patient
- Moniz's first lobotomy patient was a 63-year-old former prostitute suffering from paranoia and melancholy.
- The operation appeared successful initially, making her more docile two months post-procedure.