The Pittsburgh Press (May 2, 1945)
Brain of Duce ‘very ordinary’
Remains examined by Milan professor
By Aldo Forte, United Press staff writer
MILAN, Italy – Doctors said today that Benito Mussolini, the extraordinary dictator, had a very ordinary brain.
“His brain showed no special traits,” said Prof. Mario Cattabeni, director of the University of Milan Medical Institute.
Cattabeni said only one third of the brain was left after the Milan mob had finished kicking in Mussolini’s head.
Cattabeni said:
What remains in our hands, namely the top section, shows no particular anatomic or pathologic difference which might classify him as either genius or maniac. However, the brain will be preserved for possible future examination.
Cattabeni, who made the first autopsy on Mussolini’s body, said the dictator was an exceptionally healthy man for his age. He showed no symptoms of either cancer or ulcers, despite frequent rumors that he suffered one or the other. Nor were there any signs of paresis, another affliction often attributed to him.
Cattabeni said:
For a man of his age and considering the amount of work he did his health was perfect. His lungs, heart, and liver all were in excellent shape. If he hadn’t met the fate he did, he would have lived to 100 years.