Distinguished University Professor John C. Weaver gave the first of two lectures last night on 'Life's Troubles and Sorrows'.

Weaver's research on suicide has been centred in the rich collection archives of the coroner's reports of Australia and New Zealand. Weaver was honoured with the title of Distinguished University Professor at the November 2005 Convocation. The title is the highest honour McMaster can bestow on one of its own, and although the designation is held for life, it is restricted to eight full-time faculty members at any given time.

There are more than 600 factors catalogued as causes for suicide in the period 1900 through 1950. With contributing factors ranging from unemployment to alcoholism to 'no idea', Weaver provided accounts of men's suicide notes, witnesses' testimonies and coroners reports.

Weaver told the tale of an unemployed alcoholic, Alfred Fitchett, perhaps a failure as a breadwinner, who shouted to his wife who slept in another room, “If you don't come to bed with me, I will blow my brains out.”

“She did not, but he did,” quipped professor Weaver to an appreciative audience.

Weaver also explained that there is a tendency for married men to be less likely to commit suicide than single men, but that the reverse seems true for women.

If you'd like to find out precisely how women fared during the same period, join Weaver at the University Club Dining Room this evening at 7 p.m. for Life's Troubles and Sorrows: Women from 1900 to 1950. Refreshments will be served.