This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Beach Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/yYB.2ACI/2777.1.1.1.1 Message Board Post: Mr. Brooke: I am disappointed and saddened by your last posting. I can see that you are very emotional around this subject, and I’m willing to believe that it is heartfelt . . . but I fear that you have allowed your emotions to negatively affect your reasoning and judgment. I am disappointed because you again make accusations that are without any supporting evidence. You first attempt to express you moral distaste for “body snatching.” For you, “body snatching” = bad, vile, evil. Fine--I think that comes across even without bringing in the Nazis. . . . but then you again make a claim against Dr. Beach. Mr. Brooke, pay attention, this is important: Are you confusing Dr. David Beach with Dr. Wooster Beach, the father of American Eclecticism and a founder of the Worthington Medical College? If you are speaking of the other Dr. Beach, please admit your error. If you are going to besmirch someone, please be certain of the object of your scorn. To learn more about the sectarian history of 19th century American Medicine, I would encourage you to acquaint yourself with the works of the eminent historian Prof. John Haller. If you are a student of history, you will find his writings very accessible, even if you have moral qualms about some of the subject matter. With Dr. David Beach, are you trying to mak! e some kind of guilt by association case? You mention a list of students and faculty members—there is but one extant to my knowledge, and to the scholars I have spoken with. If you have another, produce it—but I suspect that you have the list that has been published at least two times (and you will notice no mention of a Dr. David Beach among the names). If you have some other list that does include his name, reveal your evidence and, most importantly, cite your source. Mr. Brooke, this is how the science of genealogy and history works—one produces evidence and cites sources for claims, even extraordinary claims. That way qualified researchers (those who bring to the table the requisite knowledge and background to examine such claims) can dialogue and reach a consensus as to the weight of the claims. At this point, the merits of your claim against Dr. David Beach are unable to be examined—as a scientist, I sincerely wish that it were ot! herwise. Claiming an esoteric knowledge that is being withheld out of spite is strange—I’m not sure what that is, but it’s not science (and I think that is what this bulletin board is devoted to—the pursuit of genealogical science ). Finally, I am saddened by your attack upon me personally. Sir, you do not know me, so I find it frankly . . . just weird. You somehow mistake my openness to examine whatever facts you claim to possess as arguing for “body snatching”—please. Though I will say, with a bit of humor, I would much prefer to have my surgeon practice his/her art on dead bodies before he/she touches my live one! Also, would that I wish for “proceeds”!—my current book, as was my last, will be produced as not for profit. Anyway, as I can see you are upset by all of this, I will not attempt to humor you further. Please take this message for what it is: a sincere wish for civility in your future postings, and a genuine encouragement to continue your educat! ion in 19th century American medicine.