True Weird Stuff
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In the early 1900s, psychiatrist Dr. Henry Cotton claimed he could cure mental illness by removing hidden infections in the body. His theory led to a shocking medical practice at the New Jersey State Hospital for the Insane in Trenton—patients had all of their teeth pulled, tonsils removed, and even parts of their intestines surgically removed in an attempt to eliminate bacteria believed to cause insanity.  What started as a revolutionary medical theory quickly spiraled into one of the most disturbing chapters in psychiatric history.

Published

March 7th, 2026, 12:00 am

True Weird Stuff

Open Wide

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1h 35m

Open Wide

Published March 7th, 2026, 12:00 am

Description

Today's True Weird Stuff - Open Wide

 

In the early 1900s, psychiatrist Dr. Henry Cotton claimed he could cure mental illness by removing hidden infections in the body. His theory led to a shocking medical practice at the New Jersey State Hospital for the Insane in Trenton—patients had all of their teeth pulled, tonsils removed, and even parts of their intestines surgically removed in an attempt to eliminate bacteria believed to cause insanity.  What started as a revolutionary medical theory quickly spiraled into one of the most disturbing chapters in psychiatric history.

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True Weird Stuff

True Weird Stuff is the award-winning podcast hosted by Sheri Lynch.  Surprising, odd, bizarre - and sometimes insane. Always true. Let us tell you a story…