$13,750
An X-ray taken by Harley Laboratories London, of John F. Kennedy's pelvis and lumbar spine, marked "1356. Mr. Kennedy" and dated October 2, 1947. Hand-processed acetate film. The 35 th president of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy struggled with health problems throughout his life. As a child he was referred to as “a frail little boy,” and as a young adult he was called “a slight, very slight, young man.” Kennedy suffered from diphtheria, allergies, asthma, an irritable colon, weak stomach, back problems, an appendicitis in 1931, pneumonia, and jaundice. Addison’s disease, which he and his political camp repeatedly denied he suffered from, was one of the greatest physical challenges for the president. Addison’s, which creates a withering of the adrenal glands and causes severe muscle cramping, is also characterized by a discoloration – or bronzing of the skin. The obvious discoloration was difficult to explain away, and Kennedy’s condition was used against him by his political opponents who said that if Kennedy was elected, it would be a mistake as he was sure to die soon. In 1947, the young congressman collapsed in London, where he was promptly diagnosed with the disease. Sir Daniel Davis, Kennedy’s physician in London, took X-rays and ran diagnostic tests. After reviewing these tests he told Kennedy’s family friend, “That young American friend of yours…he hasn’t got a year to live.” Kennedy personally carried back an X-ray to the United States abo
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2010-10-08
