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Although
a devout Christian,
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| Joseph 'has
NEVER rested in peace'. |
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Joseph
doesn't have a grave. Instead, his
skeleton is on permanent private display
at the Royal London Hospital, (Whitechapel)
UK, where "it is tirelessly examined
by medical professionals and students. The
purpose, they say: "to find answers
and ultimately, a cure for present day Proteus
and NF1 patients".
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Analysed
and disected for 115 years, and still no certain,
unquestionable diagnosis has been found..
Joseph's appearance was so unique that scientists
have even considered naming his conditon 'MERRICK'S
DISEASE'. |
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The
sad thing is, as far as the FoJCM, (the Friends
of Joseph carey Merrick), are concerned, the
Royal London Hospital views Joseph's skeleton
as a trophy, a jewel, a pawn -- unrelinquished
because of its history and ties to them. Without
doubt, whilst in their possesson, (and it
always has been), the skeleton does much to
maintain their high-ranking profile in the
public and scietific world. One could even
say that Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man,
put the hospital on the map. When one thinks
of Joseph Merrick, one thinks of the Royal
London Hospital, (or the Whitechapel). The
two are synonymous. Their relationship began
way back in 1886 and is still ongoing - unwilling
to part with their treasure. |
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It
is important to acknowledge that, the Royal
London Hospital is
not Joseph Merrick, and Joseph Merrick
is not the Royal London
Hospital. Every man, woman and child
has the right to a full and proper burial
- in the most part, according to their religious
belief(s). The question is, should Joseph
really be any different? He is being deprived
of this right. Many of you say we should give
Joseph dignity in death. |
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| Joseph's
Skeleton |
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Surely,
there needs to be a point when, the scientific
profession say, "that's it". WE
SHOULD NOW LAY THESE REMAINS TO REST".
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| No
Documentation of Consent |
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According
to Jonathan Evans, (Curator of the Royal London
Hospital Museum & Archives), there is
absolutely no evidence to show that Joseph
EVER gave his
consent to be used after death. There's certainly
no records at the hospital. |
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So,
we ask, "hasn't the skeleton been prodded,
poked and drilled for long enough?" And,
"don't we have a moral, ethical and spiritual
responsibility to lay what is left of Joseph
finally to rest?" We, the Friends
of Joseph Carey Merrick, are in support
of him having a final resting place and giving
him the ultimate respect that he deserves.
This is very long over due. |
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