Lobotomy (some term it as labotomy) has several personalities attached to it; some notable names include John Fulton, Antonio Egas Moniz, Walter Freeman and James Watt. All four have remarkably contributed to the development and stretch of the use of lobotomy. The first receivers of lobotomy were actually dogs, when a German scientist removed a part of the dogs’ brain; they appeared more subdued and controllable. This then encouraged a physician from Switzerland to operate on his schizophrenic patients, removing part of their brain (part of the cortex).
The results were inconclusive since there were only six patients, two died, and the others appeared to have been calmer. This was around 1890. The foundation seemed shaky at the time and was then discouraged. By 1935 in the USA, Yale University in particular, an experiment with chimpanzees’ lobes has sparked some discoveries. John Fulton then tried to induce neurosis (Boeree) after the experiment which proved that the subjects (chimps) were immune to such. There were no observable changes in the normal abilities of the subjects as well.
He can then be addressed as the one who highlighted the idea of lobotomy. His presentation of such in a neurological conference in England ignited another great mind to further his works. Antonio Egas Moniz from Portugal worked for x-ray techniques for the brain, he was also a neuropsychiatrist and a professor at University of Lisbon before he tinkered with the idea of lobotomy. However, it was through his efforts that lobotomy became famous (infamous for some).
His idea consists of cutting the nerves that connects the prefrontal cortex and the cortex, and the thalamus. This is said to help psychotics to avoid repetitive thoughts, thus live normally. In 1936, his works, then termed as leucotomy, were released to six countries. His studies noted the outmost importance that this procedure is to be used only after all other ways have been exhausted. He was also awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1949. But, his works was then cut short when he was shot by a patient and became paraplegic.
However, an American (clinical) neurologist came to the same John Fulton presentation and was able to read on Moniz’ reports. Walter Freeman and neurosurgeon James Watts then became partners who believed in the promise of lobotomy. September of 1936, lobotomy regained its footing on American soil this time with its first patient. Freeman, after a few surgeries, has moved from individual patients to asylums. He administered the procedure to almost every person who has ‘other than normal’ behavior. His reputation grew quite rapidly not only among peers, but to the public as well.
He also performed the procedure to some known personality. He also modified the procedure to make it less messy and curtail the time. James Watts, after several surgeries, parted ways with Freeman due to some objections about the trans orbital procedure. After a mishap in his last surgery, lobotomy lost its glory (McManamy). That was in the 1950s. This is now labeled as barbaric and was banned in almost all countries. There are now only very restricted operations rumored to take place in some countries.