John St. John Long facts for kids
John St. John Long (1798–July 2, 1834) was an Irish doctor who claimed he could cure serious illnesses like tuberculosis. He became well-known for his unusual treatments. However, he faced legal trouble more than once, being accused of causing the death of his patients. In one case, he was found responsible and had to pay a large fine. In another case, he was found not responsible. He passed away at the age of 35. Some say he died from tuberculosis himself, while others believe it was from a horse-riding accident.
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John St. John Long's Early Life
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John St. John Long was born in Newcastle West, Ireland, in 1798. He was the second son of John Long, who worked as a basket-maker and did many different jobs. His mother was Anne St. John.
From a young age, John showed a talent for drawing. In 1816, some people in his local area helped him financially so he could attend the Royal Dublin Society's school of design. After two years, he returned to Limerick. In 1821, he opened his own drawing academy at 36 George Street (now O'Connell Street), calling himself an "Historical & Portrait" artist.
His Unusual Treatments
In 1822, John St. John Long moved to London. By 1827, he started his medical practice, which became very popular. He was so successful that he soon moved to a famous street called Harley Street, known for its doctors.
Long's treatments for tuberculosis involved secret formulas. One formula was inhaled, meaning patients breathed it in. The other was a liquid rubbed on the patient's back or chest. This rubbing treatment was done daily for about five to ten days. Long claimed that this process would create a sore on the skin, which he believed allowed the illness to leave the body.
Facing Legal Challenges
In 1830, John St. John Long was involved in a court case concerning the death of one of his patients, Mrs. Catherine Cashin, who was 24 years old. Mrs. Cashin's mother had first visited Long to get help for her younger daughter, Ellen, who was 16 and did have tuberculosis. Long suggested that Catherine also receive treatment, even though she seemed perfectly healthy.
The treatment caused a severe infection on Catherine's skin, and she became very sick, constantly throwing up. Long suggested she drink mulled wine, but she couldn't keep it down. Another doctor, Doctor Brodie, was called in, even though Long didn't want him there. Sadly, Catherine passed away the next day.
Long was put on trial at the Old Bailey court. He argued that he was not responsible for Catherine's death. He claimed that Doctor Brodie's actions had caused her death. Some of his other patients also spoke in court, saying good things about his treatments. However, on October 23, 1830, he was found responsible for her death. He was ordered to pay a fine of £250, which he paid right away.
The very next month, Long was accused again, this time for the death of Mrs. Colin Campbell Loyd. But in this second trial, on November 18, he was found not responsible.
His Final Years
John St. John Long passed away on July 2, 1834. It is often said that he died from tuberculosis himself, the very illness he claimed to cure. It's also reported that he refused to use his own treatment methods when he was sick. However, some people believe he might have died from a horse-riding accident.
After his death, some of his former patients, who still believed in him, helped to build a monument for him at his grave in Kensal Green Cemetery. The monument has words praising him. In his will, he left his belongings, including his secret remedy, to his brother William. He believed his secret remedy was worth £10,000, which was a very large sum of money at that time.
Images for kids
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St. John Long on trial
