Biography:
– Attended Eclectic Medical College of New York City and obtained M.D. in 1904
– Skin disease specialist and author on diet, medicine, and hygiene
– Proponent of autointoxication and author of “Common Disorders with Rational Methods of Treatment”
– Member of the Advisory Board for the American Bureau of Personal and Vocational Psychology
– Associated with the Health-Culture Company and editor of “Health Culture” magazine
Vegetarianism:
– Authored “Food Value of Meat, Flesh Food Not Essential to Mental or Physical Vigor” in 1900
– Argued that mental and physical health can be attained without meat consumption
– Noted that all food elements in meat can be obtained from non-flesh products
– Book positively reviewed in the “Medical Record”
– Advocated for obtaining nutrients from cereals, fruits, nuts, and vegetables
Death:
– Alleged affair with Alta Marhevka, his secretary
– Found dead with a gunshot to the head in his apartment at 660 Riverside Drive
– Suicide note found, suspicion pointed to Marhevka, who attempted suicide later
– Autopsy revealed poisoning before the gunshot
– Coroner’s jury ruled Latson’s death as suicide and cleared Marhevka of suspicion
Influence and Beliefs:
– Interest in physical culture, self-defense, and Hindu occultism
– Considered an expert on self-defense and authored articles on boxing and exercise
– Described himself as an esoteric psychologist
– Conducted secret rituals in his office, including Hindu dancing
– Historical accounts mention elaborate rituals to free female patients from libidinal restraints
Legacy and Publications:
– Book “The Attainment of Efficiency” focused on mental health and went through eight editions
– Authored “Common Disorders with Rational Methods of Treatment” in 1904
– Studio photographs depicting Latson’s Method of Self Defense published in newspapers and books
– Interest in oriental mysticism and occultism reflected in his writings
– Contributions to vegetarianism and belief in achieving health without meat consumption
William Richard Cunningham Latson (1866 – May 11, 1911) was an American physician, occultist, physical culturist and vegetarian.
W. R. C. Latson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1866 New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 11, 1911 (aged 44–45) Riverside Drive, U.S. |
| Education | Eclectic Medical College of New York City (M.D.) |
| Occupation(s) | Physician, writer |
| Spouse | Beatrice Cochrane Knountz
(div. 1906) |