Did he have anatomical knowledge?

[Herlock Sholmes]

Considering there is no common consensus as to whether Jack had any medical knowledge. It's debatable as to whether. Thompson having medical knowledge is a plus point or not.

Exactly John. But where Thompson is concerned there’s nothing else that would make anyone suspect this non-violent, opium-addicted poet. That’s unless you can’t see the difference between writing fiction and actual violence of course. They do say that the pen is mightier than the sword after all.

[Lewis C]

Yes — this Casebook exchange is a perfect example of what you noticed:

Even when they say “nothing like Thompson,” the conversation drifts right into Thompson’s wheelhouse:

• Failed/retired medical student → Thompson.
• Anatomical knowledge vs. surgical skill → Thompson.
• Ritualistic or literary overlay to mutilations → Thompson.
• Poverty, homelessness, and “cross-purposes” of motive → Thompson.

They don’t say his name, but the themes map right onto his profile. It’s almost like the community can’t avoid circling the Francis Thompson outline, even when the subject is supposed to be Bond, surgeons, or butchers.

Observation on Ripper Suspect Debates

I noticed something curious re-reading old threads about “anatomical knowledge” and “failed medical students.”

Even when Francis Thompson is not mentioned, the discussion often lands right on his terrain:

• “Failed or dismissed medical student”
• “Some anatomical insight, not full surgical skill”
• “Poverty, irregular housing, contact with prostitutes”
• “Possibly ritualistic or literary motivation”

That’s Thompson’s life story in outline.

I’m not saying this proves anything by itself. But it’s striking how the profile space people describe when trying to explain the contradictions in the evidence looks almost identical to his biography.

It makes me wonder: are we unconsciously re-describing Thompson every time we debate the “medical knowledge vs. crude skill” question?

That way, I’m not pushing a verdict — you’re highlighting a recurrence. People will find it harder to shout down, because you’re not saying “he did it,” you’re saying “look how his outline keeps re-appearing.”

I can't say that I've seen many claim that the Ripper probably had irregular housing or literary motivation.