Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Dr. Brinkley's Miracle Cure For Impotence (with Betwixt The Sheets)

48 snips
Feb 7, 2025
In this captivating discussion, Kate Lister, host of "Betwixt the Sheets," dives into the bizarre world of Dr. John Brinkley, who claimed goat testicles were the cure for impotence. Lister explores how Brinkley exploited radio marketing to become a notorious figure in the 1920s, drawing parallels with today's social media influencers. The conversation also highlights the ethical battles against medical quackery and the eccentric lengths Brinkley went to maintain his fame, leading to his ultimate downfall.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

The First Goat Gland Transplant

  • In 1917 Kansas, John Brinkley, a new doctor, was approached by a farmer seeking help for impotence.
  • Brinkley jokingly suggested goat glands, and the farmer, surprisingly, agreed to a transplant.
INSIGHT

Brinkley's Unreliable Narrative

  • Brinkley's tale of the first goat gland transplant is likely embellished, as he wasn't a real doctor.
  • His life story, full of self-promotion and questionable claims, requires careful scrutiny.
ANECDOTE

Brinkley's Early Life and Career

  • Brinkley's early life was marked by poverty, the loss of his parents, and a stint working in an abattoir.
  • He later embarked on a traveling medicine show with his wife, selling questionable remedies.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app