Carl Von Cosel

About the Author

Carl Von Cosel, born George Karl Genssle in 1876 in Leipzig, Germany, was a German-born radiologist and inventor whose life story reads like a gothic novel of obsession and tragedy. Immigrating to the United States in the early 20th century, he worked in hospitals across the country, specializing in X-ray technology and tuberculosis treatment. His infamous fixation on patient Elena Milagro de Hoyos, whom he exhumed and preserved after her death in 1931, captivated the public and inspired numerous accounts of his macabre devotion. Von Cosel's writings, including his purported memoir, offer a haunting glimpse into his psyche, blending scientific curiosity with delusional romance. He passed away in 1952, leaving behind a legacy as one of history's most enigmatic and controversial figures.