Monday, July 16, 2007

Guillotine - A Correction

In yesterday's post I indicated that Joseph Ignace Guillotin invented the guillotine and subsequently was himself executed by one. As a fan of mine, Russell McBride, let me know, Bar Man was wrong on both accounts.

Joseph Ignace Guillotin did not invent the guillotine, though his name has forever been associated with the machine. Dr Guillotin did propose the use of a mechanical device to carry out the death penalty.

He did not die on the guillotine, he died from a carbuncle on his shoulder.

That is it, no more posting the historical equivalent of an urban legend. From now on I check my facts.

No comments: