JOSEPH CAREY MERRICK

"THE ELEPHANT MAN"

There's nothing this author can add that hasn't already been written about Jos. Merrick.   There are two points I would like to emphasize, however.  1) Joseph took part in his own exhibition and 2) I've always been of the opinion that he killed himself (see http://www.victorianweb.org/books/suicide/06b.html ) I recommend the following website http://www.zoraskingdom.freeserve.co.uk/frame.htm and the book  The True History of the Elephant Man by Howell & Ford

Mayrick upon his admission to the London Hospital, Dec. 1886 (photo courtesy Howell & Ford "The True History of the Elephant Man" 1980)

Was I so tall, could reach the pole, Or grasp the ocean with a span; I would be measured by the soul, The mind's the standard of the man.

Cover the left of Joseph's Face, His Mouth and you will see A very handsome Man indeed, Aye, Joseph as meant to be!