Oppenheimer then became addicted to cigarettes, which he smoked in large quantities, one after another. He was a tall, thin man who often neglected to eat, and friends pointed out his destructive tendencies.
Oppenheimer decided to see a psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with the beginnings of schizophrenia.
The scientist rejected the diagnosis, especially since at that time schizophrenia was only treated in closed institutions. He decided to relax by taking a vacation in Paris.
Accompanying him to the French capital was his colleague Francis Ferguson, who, to amuse the scientist, told him about his marriage plans. Oppenheimer became extremely upset, grabbed Ferguson by the throat and began to choke him.
