Behind the Bastards

Part Two: The Bastard Who Invented The Lobotomy

Nov 7, 2019
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INSIGHT

Rosemary Kennedy's True Condition

  • Rosemary Kennedy likely had learning disabilities but was largely functional and intelligent.
  • Her family's discomfort with her sexuality and desire to control her led to her lobotomy.
INSIGHT

Freeman's Lobotomy Method

  • Freeman performed lobotomies while chatting with patients and gauging cognitive drop.
  • His aim was to numb patients enough to stop distress, a method he called successful.
ANECDOTE

Freeman's Showmanship in Surgery

  • Patricia Darien witnessed Freeman's transorbital lobotomy demonstrations at a state hospital.
  • He showed off by cutting both brain sides simultaneously to an amazed and horrified audience.
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