Plausibility of Kosminski

[robhouse]

I think if your only point of reference is Fidos' book, then you may not have the full story, since his analysis is pretty lopsided in my opinion. I do not know of anything that has come out recently that sheds any new light on Kozminski's state of mind in 1888... except for the Dec. 1889 dog muzzling charge that was discovered about a year ago.

There has been some extensive research done over the past few years by Chris Phillips and myself, but nothing directly pertaining to Kozminski's state of mind in 1888 per se.

Rob H

[Abberline2]

Swanson said that when Kosminski was handed over to Stepney Workhouse (Mile End Old Town Workhouse) by his brother (in-law) in 1891 his hands were tied behind his back.

One wonders why a peaceful imbicile would need to have his hands tied behind his back by members of his own family ?

On another point, Kosminski was committed to Colney Hatch in Feb 1891, then Leavesden in April 1894. By no later than 1895 both Anderson and Swanson thought that their Polish Jew suspect had died shortly after being committed to an asylum. Thus, it is argued that their suspect could not have been Kosminski as he lived until 1919. However, it seems plausible that Anderson and Swanson may have been under the impression that their suspect had died in Colney Hatch when, in fact, he had merely been transferred from Colney Hatch to Leavesden.

[robhouse]

Yes, that is a valid suggestion. The whole thing is a quite confusing. Anyway, again, he wasnt an imbecile. The term "imbecile" had a very specific medical definition at the time... and Kozminski was never referred to as an imbecile. He is classified as a "person of unsound mind" which basically means insane. The idea that he was an imbecile seems to have been an assumption based on the fact that he was admitted to Leavesden... but it is not correct.

[Observer]

Thanks Rob, and Pirate

Obviously the reason I ask boils down to the fact that the Aaron Kosminski we learn of in 1891 is very unlikely to have been Jack the Ripper.

Observer

[Chris]

By no later than 1895 both Anderson and Swanson thought that their Polish Jew suspect had died shortly after being committed to an asylum.

We don't know that. In fact I don't think any of Anderson's first-hand statements indicate whether he thought his suspect was alive or dead.

Obviously Swanson believed by the time the marginalia were written that the suspect had died shortly after being committed to Colney Hatch. There is also the Pall Mall Gazette report from 1895 indicating that Swanson believed the murderer was then dead, but unfortunately it's not really clear whether that refers to Aaron Kozminski or not.

[Jeff Leahy]

Thanks Rob, and Pirate

Obviously the reason I ask boils down to the fact that the Aaron Kosminski we learn of in 1891 is very unlikely to have been Jack the Ripper.

Observer

Yes I think this is true. However if we except 'schizophrenia' it is a progressive illness. So his condition in 1888, age 22 years old is debatable.
In fact it is probably quite different to his condition 1991?

Schizophrenia attacks in waves usually 12-16 week periods. Gaps between attacks various. Each attack getting steadily worse. Periods of apparent recovery between attacks, normal. Each case, individual.

If Jack he Ripper was 'Schizophrenic' its unlikely to be the only cause. Most probable are other factors.

Yours Pirate

[Abberline2]

We don't know that. In fact I don't think any of Anderson's first-hand statements indicate whether he thought his suspect was alive or dead.

Anderson didn't say anything in print about his suspect being committed to an asylum until 1901 but Griffiths stated in his article in The Windsor Magazine of May 1895 that Anderson believed that the JtR killings ended when the murderer was committed to an asylum.

I can't see any reason to doubt what Griffiths wrote in 1895 and, therefore, it is reasonable to accept that Anderson believed by 1895 at the latest and probably earlier that his suspect was in an asylum and, given what we know about Anderson's suspect from Swanson, et al, Kosminski was mostly likely to have been that suspect.

However, your point that Anderson didn't say whether his suspect was alive or dead is a fair one.

[Observer]

Hi Pirate

I realise it's somewhat innapropriate to pidgeon hole this type of killer, but I believe Peter Sutcliffe comes close in terms of method to Jack the Ripper. Sutcliffe supposedly suffers from schizophrenia, although he has never descended to the depths of despair that Kosminski did. Modern drugs could be a factor as why he has remained comparatively stable.

all the best

Observer

[DVV]

One wonders why a peaceful imbicile would need to have his hands tied behind his back by members of his own family ?

It might have something to do with self-abuse, imho.

Amitiés,
David

[Observer]

Quite right Dave, and he should have went to Specsavers to boot, it would have saved him walking into asylums

Observer

[DVV]

Hi Observer,

btw, the chapter called "Was there a police solution ?" in JTR, SY Investigates could just have been "Self-abuse".

Amitiés,
David

[Observer]

hahaha Indeed.

Observer

[DVV]

hahaha Indeed. It dosn't really make you go blind though, David Cameron is a W***** and he don't wear glasses. Think I should erase that Dave? Don't want to get myself arrested

Observer

As a foreigner, I wouldn't interfere in British politics.

Amitiés,
David

[Observer]

aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh erase your quote Dave HAHAHAHA

Observer

[DVV]

What time is it ?

Uh...is that so late ?

I'm off to bed.

See you tomorrow my friend.

Amitiés,
David