Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Tag: caul

  • Born with a caul: Fact and fiction

    James L. FranklinChicago, Illinois, United States In the opening paragraphs of Charles Dickens’ 1850 novel David Copperfield, the titular narrator David Copperfield informs us that he was “born with a caul.” He relates further that the caul was advertised in the newspapers at the “low price” of fifteen guineas in hopes that a sea-faring buyer…