History is full of strange medical practices, but few are as bizarre as the so-called 'treatment' pioneered by Dr. John Brinkley. In a time when alternative medicine was often trusted blindly, Brinkley took it to another level by implanting goat testicles in men as a supposed cure for impotence. How did this strange method make him a fortune? Discover the shocking details behind one of the most infamous 'treatments' in medical history!
According to the BBC, it all began in 1917 when a farmer from Kansas, USA, knocked on Dr. Brinkley's door. The farmer was suffering from sexual impotence. He had visited numerous doctors and tried every possible medication and treatment, but none had worked.
He added jokingly, 'If you were a goat, you wouldn't have these problems!' This remark, though made in jest, actually stemmed from Brinkley's past experiences. In 1913, Brinkley had started an unlicensed practice with a friend, where they attempted to treat men's energy issues in their own way. However, the practice was shut down for being unlicensed, and both were imprisoned. Two years later, upon being released from prison, Brinkley witnessed how goats mated at his new workplace.
The farmer had taken Brinkley's words seriously and requested the transplant. The two went ahead with the procedure. The news spread quickly among the locals, and soon, many others expressed interest in undergoing the same surgery. Whether or not these claims were true remains debatable.
Some even claimed that their wives had requested goat testicle transplants as well and that they had children after the procedure. These stories likely fall into the realm of urban legends or were possibly fabricated by Brinkley to make more money. Regardless, Dr. Brinkley became more famous and wealthier during this period. Despite some people speaking out against his treatment and others expressing dissatisfaction, the majority continued to believe in him.
But this wasn't the end of his fame. Brinkley ran as an independent candidate for governor in Kansas and even started his own radio station. On his channel, he discussed topics like sex, religion, and health, subjects other stations avoided, making him one of the most influential voices of the time. He even resumed practicing medicine in a few different states. What ultimately led to Brinkley's downfall, however, was the death of 42 men on the operating table, which was confirmed.
Patients united to take him to court, and the ruling was made against Brinkley. The doctor was ordered to pay millions in damages, leading him to declare bankruptcy. In 1941, John Brinkley lost his fortune, his health, and eventually, his life.