Today we’re investigating the medical qualifications of “Doctor” John Thomas, the founder of the Christadelphians. In this episode, we’ll debunk some questionable claims allegedly recorded in mysterious letters, examine damning evidence hidden in plain sight regarding Thomas’ medical education, and explore the shocking reason why John Thomas really left England to pursue a medical career in the United States. We also deep dive into John Thomas’ background in “male midwifery”, his forgotten role as a teacher for the Royal Western Hospital School, and his published treatment plan for cholera. Zinnia also uncovered a new biography of John Thomas’ medical background while researching this episode and unveils brand new information and insights about his medical background for this episode! Please join us for another exciting history episode as John Thomas’ lies and criminal activity get exposed by Zinnia, namely, a woman.

Many thanks to Dr. Craig Fairweather of Sydney, Australia, to the other ex-Christadelphians who have reached out to share resources, and to the amazing archivists and librarians who helped me uncover an amazing new resource for this episode!

Please stay tuned for Part Two!

Listener discretion advised.

Resources and References:

*Please email me at lifeafterleavingpodcast@gmail.com if interested in seeing a resource that isn't readily available that is listed here.

Dr. Thomas: His Family and the Background of His Times’ by Charles Blore (1982)

John Thomas: His Friend and His Faith” by Peter Hemingray

The Life After Leaving Podcast, Episode 6

The Life After Leaving Podcast, Episode 2

The Life of Dr. Thomas

Archives: Royal College of Surgeons of England, Hackney Archives, & Southwark Archives

The Christadelphian Magazine, April 1886 edition

Dr. Thomas: His Life & Work By Robert Roberts 1873

“Dr. John Thomas - the man and his work” by S. M. Algar from 'The Dawn Ecclesial Magazine' September 1969, from the Hackney, London Archives

The Lancet articles by John Thomas:

1. “On the Immateriality of the Mind” by John Thomas


2. Improvements on Civiale’s Lithoniritic Instruments by John Thomas


3. Synopsis of the Treatment of the Malignant Cholera by John Thomas


4. ESSAY ON ASPHYXIA ;OR AN ATTEMPT TO Illustrate the Pathology, and to simplify the Treatment, of SUSPENDED ANIMATION by John Thomas


5. Case of Imperforate Anus by John Thomas


6. On the Nature and Treatment of Burns and Scalds by John Thomas

Anatomy Act of 1832

“Medical Training in the United States Prior to the Civil War” by Robert Slawson

British Newspaper Archive: Evidence for the Existence of the Royal Western Hospital in 1830

Thomas Leigh Blundell Source 1 and Source 2

Body Snatching in the UK

The Real Mr Frankenstein - Sir Anthony Carlisle, Medical Murders, and the Social Genesis of Frankenstein by Donald Shelton (2020)

Physician, Apothecary, or Surgeon?

Why are male surgeons still addressed as Mr? - PMC

Catholic Controversy by John Thomas in the Millennial Harbinger

Apostalic Advocate Vol 1 1834

Apostalic Advocate in 1836 M.D. Not D.D.

October 1850 edition of New England Botanic Medical and Surgical Journal

John Thomas M.D. in the St Charles Patriot Newspaper

Jimmy Neutron Brain Blast

“The History of Medicine” by Alexander Wilder (1901)

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

“The New England Botanic Medical and Surgical Journal” by Calvin Newton Vol 2, No 8, Page 122, April 16, 1848

The Independents

Oliver Cromwell

Trail of Tears

Cholera Statistics

Cholera in England

American Heritage- Doctors of the Frontier

Alanis Morissette- Ironic

Calomel

Tidings Devotional by Alan Eyre (2005)(Why Dr. Thomas Really Left England)

British Health and Medicine

Historically Speaking: Victorian-era doctors lacked tools to help patients

Hackney, London - Wikipedia