Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Dr. Brinkley's Miracle Cure For Impotence (with Betwixt The Sheets)
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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.
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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.
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.
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.