The reputation of Sir William Withey Gull

[Robert]

Unfortunately when someone has been libelled, then even if every single point in the argument is rebutted, there persists in some people's minds a feeling that "there must at least have been something funny about him, or why choose him as a suspect?"

[ChrisGeorge]

I wonder if any of Gull's surviving descendants (if there are any) have made any statements or tried to file lawsuits against his accusers. I would if I was a descendant.

I don't know but quite possibly they are amused by the attention. One thing about it is that by this point so many people have been named as candidates for being the Ripper that it is getting a bit ridiculous.

That of course does not lessen the damage done to a good reputation, of course, and you make an excellent point that Sir William Withey Gull's reputation was a good one before the Royal Conspiracy theorists sullied it.

C

[lynn cates]

not only, but also

Hello JTR. I appreciate your cogent observations here.

Unfortunately, the phenomenon you point out is all too common. One person slanders a historical figure in a book/cinema. Said figure cannot defend him/herself. An astute observer (like yourself) cries, "Foul!" Author remarks, "Ah! It is only fiction." Damage is done. Reputation is sullied. The worst part--the uncritical accept it as fact.

I shall say no more, except that you are remarkably clear sighted.

The best.
LC

[curious]

You can't libel the dead -- or at least in the States that's the way it is.

Very glad to read about Gull's accomplishments.

I learned something. Thank you for the post.

Curious

[JTRSickert]

Hello, I just want to point out that a major consequence of the whole Royal Family/Freemasonic conspiracy theory is that it tarnished the image and reputation of an extraordinary medical man, William Withey Gull. Excuse me, SIR William Withey Gull. Due to Stephen Knight's book, Alan Moore's graphic novel, the 1988 BBC miniseries, and the 2001 "From Hell" motion picture, most people today remember Gull as being a Jack the Ripper suspect, rather than his enormous contributions to medical science. His medical research led to the classification of hypothyroidism as well papers on cholera, rheumatic fever, and paraplegia. He was a surgeon for the bladder-stone operation of Emperor Napoleon III, even though the Emperor died. So, I think Gull should be remembered more for his brillance in the medical field. The man was knighted, for God's sake!!!! He was not being driven inside a coach by John Netley and slashing up prostitutes when the man was in his 70s and had a stroke the year before.

I wonder if any of Gull's surviving descendants (if there are any) have made any statements or tried to file lawsuits against his accusers. I would if I was a descendant.