Holocaust

In recent history, what person comes to mind as a medical madman? Dr. Victor Frankenstein (creator of the Frankenstein monster), Dr. Jack Kevorkian (Dr. Death) who went to prison for his role in assisted suicides, or Dr. Harold Shipman (most prolific serial killer in Britain’s history)? While all of these have left a mark of horror of our collective psyche, perhaps most notorious doctor of the 20th century is Dr. Josef Mengele, known as the Angel of Death. Dr. Mengele was responsible for the murder of over four-hundred thousand people during World War II (WWII).

Dr. Mengele was stationed at the Auschwitz concentration camp, where he did experiments on twins. He was trying to find the perfect example of the Aryan race. During his time at Auschwitz, he performed medical experiments using injections, radiation, electrocution, and surgery. Dr. Mengele was fascinated by eye color and attempted to find a way to change the color of one’s eyes by injection or surgical removal and replacement. He also conducted experiments on prisoners to understand and prevent hypothermia by forcing prisoners to sit in tubs of freezing water. One of the most bizarre aspects of Dr. Mengele personality was his desire to have a friendly relationship with his victims. For example, he brought gifts of new clothing and food for certain prisoners. He specifically brought candy for the children. He inspired much admiration among the woman prisoners who would dress in their very best for their appointments. Dr. Mengele was truly a study in benevolent malevolence.

After a cursory review, the author proposes to research the medical experimentation of the Nazi regime, specifically, that of Dr. Josef Mengele.

Why did Mengele conduct these experiments on his victims? What were the experiments done on the victims? How Mengele could not be affected by his experiments he conducted? These are just some questions that could be looked at as research questions for the final project....