Unwanted Science: Scientific Evidence Against the JFK Autopsy Materials

[Michael T. Griffith]

Those who are determined to believe the JFK autopsy materials have not been altered reject the hard scientific evidence of optical-density (OD) measurements that prove the autopsy skull x-rays have been altered. The OD measurements of the skull x-rays also prove that the autopsy brain photos are fraudulent, that they cannot be photos of JFK's brain.

Those who reject this historic scientific evidence fall into two groups. One group consists of lone-gunman theorists, all of whom claim that not a single item of evidence in the JFK case has been faked or altered. The other group consists of conspiracy theorists who believe that only a few items of evidence have been faked or altered, and whose theory of the case does not allow for alteration of any photographic evidence, including the autopsy x-rays and photos.

One such conspiracy theorist has argued that OD measurements are only valid when they are done on bone, not on metal, that OD measurements cannot determine the thickness of metal. This is incorrect. OD measurements can measure the thickness of metal by calculating the amount of light absorbed (\(OD=\log _{10}(1/T)\)). As the metal becomes thicker, it becomes more opaque, allowing for a direct, non-contact measurement of thickness based on its light-shielding ability. Similarly, OD measurements can also measure the thickness of wood. They can even measure the thickness of clear glass via optical reflection (triangulation) or interferometry.

Multiple OD measurements of JFK's skull x-rays have found that the x-rays show about 70% of the right side of the brain to be missing. Impressively, these measurements has been confirmed by independent analyses of the skull x-rays. In 1975, Dr. Fred Hodges, then the chief of neuroradiology at the John Hopkins medical school, was asked to examine the JFK autopsy materials for the Rockefeller Commission. Among other things, he noted in his report that a "goodly portion" of the right brain was missing:         

AP and two lateral views show. . . . A goodly portion of the right brain is apparently missing and the anterior part of the right cranial cavity contains air. ("Kennedy-Connally Shooting," report prepared for the Rockefeller Commission, April 1975, p. 2, available at https://www.maryferrell.org/showDoc.html?docId=32027#relPageId=3)

Other private experts, including Dr. Gary Aguilar, have likewise concluded the skull x-rays show a large amount of the right brain to be missing.

In 1992, none other than Dr. James Humes, the chief JFK autopsy doctor, admitted to JAMA that "two thirds of the right cerebrum had been blown away" (Journal of the American Medical Association [JAMA], May 27, 1992, p. 2798). The right cerebrum is the right-hand side of the brain.

The JFK autopsy brain photos are among the most powerful, undeniable evidences of fraud in the JFK autopsy materials. Not realizing the enormous implications of his admission, Dr. Michael Baden, the chairman of the HSCA's Forensic Pathology Panel, revealed to WC apologist Vincent Bugliosi that the autopsy brain photos show only 1-2 ounces of brain matter missing. However, in addition to the fact that the skull x-rays show 2/3 of the right brain to be missing, we know that bits of JFK's brain were blown onto 16 surfaces, and that numerous witnesses said a substantial portion of JFK's brain was missing.

Multiple OD measurements have also proved that the 6.5 mm object is not metallic. For years everyone assumed the 6.5 mm object was a bullet fragment, but OD measurements have disproved that assumption. Dr. David Mantik has even been able to duplicate the method that was used to add the 6.5 mm object to the AP x-ray. The three innocent explanations offered for the 6.5 mm object are vacuous and impossible. Even before the OD measurements were done, many researchers noted that the 6.5 mm object could not have come from an FMJ bullet, that no FMJ bullet would have deposited such a fragment on the outer table of the skull.

Here's what Dr. Greg Henkelmann, a radiation oncologist, has said about Dr. Mantik's OD research on the skull x-rays:

Unlike other evidence, optical density data are as “theory free” as possible, as this data deals only with physical measurements. To reject alteration of the JFK skull X-rays is to reject basic physics and radiology. Dr. Mantik has a PhD in physics and has practiced radiation oncology for nearly 40 years; he is thus eminently qualified in both physics and radiology. His unusual background exposes the government-sponsored cover-up that has deceived Americans into believing that Oswald was a “lone wolf.” It is now far past time to be crying wolf. (Introduction in Dr. Mantik's 2022 book JFK Assassination Paradoxes)

If anyone wants to read about Dr. Henkelmann's education and qualifications, here's a brief summary of his credentials:

https://www.womans.org/findadoctor/gregory-c-henkelmann

[John Corbett]

Junk science.

I'll go with the opinion of the qualified members of the HSCA FPP that affirmed the original conclusion that JFK was hit twice from behind, once in the upper back and once in the back of the head. No qualified medical examiner who has looked at the autopsy material has ever disagreed with that finding. I find that far more compelling than the opinions of amateur sleuths who refuse to accept the fact that Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK and that no one has ever presented credible evidence he had even a single accomplice in his crime.

[Royell Storing]

      Why let the eggheads complicate the JFK Brain Issue? (1) JFK Brain Missing + (2) JFK brain weight Not documented  = Bogus Autopsy

[John Corbett]

      Why let the eggheads complicate the JFK Brain Issue? (1) JFK Brain Missing + (2) JFK brain weight Not documented  = Bogus Autopsy

The fact that JFK's brain might be missing or that it was not weighed does not change the fact that it was Oswald who put a bullet through that brain.
Conspiracy theorists regard every anomaly as proof of conspiracy when at most it is proof of incompetence. Yes, the original autopsy team was not experienced in forensic pathology and were a poor choice for the autopsy. Had the assassination followed the same procedures that were used for any other homicide, we would not have had these shortcomings. Jackie should not have been given the choice as to where the autopsy should be performed. The widow of any other gunshot victim would not have been given that choice. An experienced forensic medical examiner from the DC area should have been selected to conduct the autopsy. As it was, Jackie chose Bethesda Naval Hospital and the prosectors were experienced in doing autopsies on people who died of cancer or heart ailments. A different standard is required for victims of homicides because of legal requirements. Unfortunately, we don't get a do over for that mistake and are left to make the best of what we do have. The original photos and x-rays were made available to the HSCA FPP and they unanimously agreed with the fundamental findings of the original autopsy team while recognizing the errors of omission that were made.

[John Corbett]

Here's what Dr. Greg Henkelmann, a radiation oncologist, has said about Dr. Mantik's OD research on the skull x-rays:

Unlike other evidence, optical density data are as “theory free” as possible, as this data deals only with physical measurements. To reject alteration of the JFK skull X-rays is to reject basic physics and radiology. Dr. Mantik has a PhD in physics and has practiced radiation oncology for nearly 40 years; he is thus eminently qualified in both physics and radiology. His unusual background exposes the government-sponsored cover-up that has deceived Americans into believing that Oswald was a “lone wolf.” It is now far past time to be crying wolf. (Introduction in Dr. Mantik's 2022 book JFK Assassination Paradoxes)

If anyone wants to read about Dr. Henkelmann's education and qualifications, here's a brief summary of his credentials:

https://www.womans.org/findadoctor/gregory-c-henkelmann

Explain how being a radiation oncologist qualifies one as an expert in forensic pathology.

[Royell Storing]

The fact that JFK's brain might be missing or that it was not weighed does not change the fact that it was Oswald who put a bullet through that brain.
Conspiracy theorists regard every anomaly as proof of conspiracy when at most it is proof of incompetence. Yes, the original autopsy team was not experienced in forensic pathology and were a poor choice for the autopsy. Had the assassination followed the same procedures that were used for any other homicide, we would not have had these shortcomings. Jackie should not have been given the choice as to where the autopsy should be performed. The widow of any other gunshot victim would not have been given that choice. An experienced forensic medical examiner from the DC area should have been selected to conduct the autopsy. As it was, Jackie chose Bethesda Naval Hospital and the prosectors were experienced in doing autopsies on people who died of cancer or heart ailments. A different standard is required for victims of homicides because of legal requirements. Unfortunately, we don't get a do over for that mistake and are left to make the best of what we do have. The original photos and x-rays were made available to the HSCA FPP and they unanimously agreed with the fundamental findings of the original autopsy team while recognizing the errors of omission that were made.

      It is no accident when you have 3 unqualified but military controlled Dr's doing an autopsy on an assassinated POTUS. This would Not have been the case if the JFK autopsy had been conducted in Dallas. Cue the "body snatchers".

[Tommy Shanks]

Once again, Michael T. Griffith is allowed to spam this forum with endless diatribes touting the acumen of Dr. David Mantik, whose nonsense about forged autopsy x-rays has been exposed time and again by researchers like Pat Speer.