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Walter Freeman was apparently inspired to model his lobotomy tool on an ice-pick after he learned that Egar Moniz had modelled his on an apple corer. His first lobotomy was performed on a 63-year-old women from Kansas who had been given the option of surgery or a mental institution. On the operating table, she had second thoughts when she realised that some of her head would be shaved and she would lose her curls. Freeman assured her, untruthfully, that the curls would be saved, but commented that after the operation, ‘She no longer cared'.

Box inscribed by Walter Freeman.