[William Osler and the 'chloroforming' of men over 60: a media outcry in 1905]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2002 Dec 21;146(51):2489-93.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Sir William Osler (1849-1919) was one of the most charismatic physicians of his generation in the English-speaking world. In 1905, in a light-hearted farewell speech at the Johns Hopkins University before leaving for Oxford, U.K., he discussed the relative uselessness of men over 60. He facetiously referred to a novel in which men above this age retired for a year of contemplation, after which they were peacefully 'chloroformed'. Osler's words were reported out of context by American newspapers and he had to put up with much indignant protest.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article
  • Portrait

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology
  • Aging / psychology
  • England
  • Euthanasia / history*
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Media / history
  • Retirement / history
  • United States

Personal name as subject

  • William Osler