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If you're curious what caused both Handel and Bach to be blind, the answer is this crazy guy named John Taylor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Taylor_(oculi
by changoplatanero 5y ago
If you're curious what caused both Handel and Bach to be blind, the answer is this crazy guy named John Taylor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Taylor_(oculist) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Taylor_(oculist)
- 1cvmask 5y agoThis part from the Wikipedia link on John Taylor is great: There is some evidence that Taylor operated on Handel in August 1758, in Tunbridge Wells, after which Handel's health deteriorated until his death in April 1759. In both cases Taylor claimed complete success.[2] Prior to performing each surgical procedure, he would deliver a long, self-promoting speech in an unusual oratorial style.[4] Dutch ophthalmologist R. Zegers mentions that "after his training, Taylor started practicing in Switzerland, where he blinded hundreds of patients, he once confessed".[5] Writer Samuel Johnson said of Taylor that his life showed "an instance of how far impudence may carry ignorance."
- jnsie 5y agoIs there a case to be made that he effectively killed (not murdered, killed...) them both? > Bach fell ill with a fever soon after his second operation and passed away less than four months later. > Taylor operated on Handel in August 1758, in Tunbridge Wells, after which Handel's health deteriorated until his death in April 1759.