The Resurrectionist The Lost Work of Dr. - By E. B. Hudspeth Page 0,5

its length from shoulder to fingertips. She appeared to have one large right forearm but eight right fingers and two right thumbs. In a matter of hours the surgeons were able to remove the parasitic arm; the patient healed well. The success of the surgery was published in medical journals throughout the United States and was read via articles in the international press; Dr. Spencer Black was gaining popularity, and his work was considered remarkable.

In the fall of 1870, Black published his controversial paper “The Perfect Human.” It states that man is merely the sum of his evolutionary parts. Black claimed that humankind has been “assembled” over time, with occasional pieces added and—more importantly—occasional pieces removed. Unlike the traditionally accepted theories of evolution and natural selection, Black’s view stressed that mutations are not accidents; instead, they are the body attempting to grow what it once had thousands of years ago. According to Black, this was the only solution to the dilemmas of teratology (the scientific study of congenital abnormalities and abnormal formations). He argued: “From where else can the knowledge arrive? The body cannot grow something without knowing how.”

Among the paper’s most controversial claims was the idea that many so-called mythological creatures were in fact real species that once walked the earth. Black further argued that remnants of these creatures sometimes manifested themselves in latent traits, that is, genetic mutations. Dr. Holace, Black’s fellow surgeon, strongly disagreed with this claim; it was the beginning of what would become a bitter rivalry.

Despite the negative attention, Black went on to publish two additional papers. One discussed the physical memories of blood, bile, and plasma; the other was a research piece on the mutations of children and how their bodies cope with the changes of growth into adulthood. Both papers included illustrations.

In just a few months’ time, news of the extraordinary work being performed in Ward C had spread throughout the global medical community. Soon, the doctors were receiving letters of accommodation and invitations to lecture from all parts of the world. The ward’s success in surgery and research had propelled Black into the public arena: he was integral to the reasons for its success.

1871–1877

MARRIAGE AND

TRANSFORMATION

Doctors are not gods; but we do their work.

—Dr. Spencer Black

Spencer Black completed his schooling with the highest of honors. Nearing international fame at the remarkably young age of twenty, the precocious doctor was considered an extremely attractive prospect among Philadelphia’s most elite families.

Black met Elise Chardelle while she was visiting the academy undertaking research for an anthropological thesis on evolution and natural selection. Little is known about her, but Black’s notes suggest that she was attractive, had been well educated, and came from a prosperous family in Chicago. They fell in love almost immediately, and after just three months of courtship the couple married in June 1871.

Unprepared and without having intended to, I proposed marriage.

I do not know how to say what I feel, but it is wonderful.

Through his work in Ward C, Black was earning a substantial salary, and he purchased a rather large home near the academy. In the spring of 1872, Elise gave birth to their first child, Alphonse. He was born healthy and would grow to continue his father’s legacy.

Portrait of Elise Chardelle, 1871. Written on the back of the drawing is the following note: Dearest Elise, As the sun sets now I write this, filled with love and hope for you and a life we will share. I will forever abide, in my heart and by your side, to the love I have for you. Forever yours, Spencer

Portrait of Alphonse Edward Black. This is the only known image of Alphonse. The handwritten caption reads: My son Alphonse sleeping. S. Black. 1872.

On March 1, 1872, nine months less four days from the date of our marriage, my son, Alphonse, was born in the season of the cicadas.

The medical community and the country as a whole were excited and hopeful for the potential demonstrated by the work being performed in Ward C. The school grounds were overfilled with students, and the academy had to change its curriculum and admittance policies to adapt to its quickly rising prestige. By 1873, applications to the school numbered in the tens of thousands.

Unfortunately, Ward C’s successful run was interrupted by the arrival of a nine-year-old patient named Meredith Anne Heath. The girl was born with a parasitic twin; she had an additional two legs and an arm extending from her abdomen. She had traveled with her family from