[William Osler and the 'chloroforming' of men over 60: a media outcry in 1905].
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.
van Gijn
J
J
Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Neurologie, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht.
Nieuwkamp
D J
DJ
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D004739:England; D005065:Euthanasia / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media / Q000266:history; D012179:Retirement / Q000266:history; D014481:United States