Surgical expertise, anatomical knowledge. So on and so forth..

[FutureM.D.]

Thanks for the lead!

Read a few posts, and I find it to be begging the question.

He postulates scenarios that would be difficult for a modern surgeon. In an O.R. With a full team. And bright lights. With hours at disposal.

The Ripper was alone (most probably). In the dark. Working in measures of minutes. Not hours.

I've always ascribed to the, slash and grab what you can Ripper.

I haven't read all of prosecutors posts, but based on what I have; I feel my opinion is reinforced. I'm forced to contend with a ripper who either fits my opinion, or one of almost supernatural skill. Such skill that would even baffle his contemporaries, and modern practitioners.

*Begging the question wasn't an accurate characterization*

[DJA]

Worthwhile reading "Prosector's" comments.

He is/was an expert and lecturer.
Top person in the Auto Immune field.

Obviously way above anyone you have encountered in your chosen field.

[FutureM.D.]

A two part question, following some exposition

I've seen the postmortem photos, the crime scene sketches and body sketches. I've read the reports. As someone who works in healthcare, I'm constantly flabbergasted that some people thought (others, still do) that the Ripper possessed anything near surgical skill. If the crimes happened today and I heard the doctors give reports such as those from zPhillips or Baxter, it would be like saying the killer performed a transvaginal hysterectomy and sutured the patient.. Then killed her.

In so far as anatomical 'knowledge'... Victorians knew the bible. Many references to womb. Assuming JTR was a male who had an (albeit extremely unhealthy) sexual interest in women, wouldn't he know a rough configuration of female genetalia? I mean, the uterus is basically a one point access... Surely the killer saw pregnant women! As far as kidneys.. eating such organs is a British thing right? 😎 Would any Britton, be so ignorant of their location? All of this assuming it wasnt a slash and grab job I the first place.

So my questions...

1) I'm no expert in Victorian surgical practice. Do you feel that Phillips and Baxters reports are a reflection of their era? To them, did the mutilations really suggest skill? (I pity their patients, if so.)

2) Do you think I'm on point with my thoughts in anatomical knowledge? Would this knowledge (uterine, kidney position) have been pedestrian knowledge in 1888 London?

3) If you still maintain surgical skill, or anatomical knowledge leanings; I'd truly like to know why. It's always good to have our convictions challenged. But if you're such a person, please try to reconcile numbers 1 & 2 in your reply.

Have a great day!