A glossary of some older and obscure medical terms and conditions. ****************************************************************** The following edited glossary of medical terms was assembled as part of a project on medicine from 1760-1830 but it includes some terms from a wider period. Information from Dr Johnson's Dictionary, first published in 1755, is shown. This gives the meaning of the terms as generally understood in the middle of the 18th century. Robert Hooper's Physician's Vade-Mecum, published in 1812 has been used as a source of terms in the early 19th century; many of the terms mentioned are still in common use. Encyclopaedia Britannica has also been used for some modern descriptions including the names of infectious organisms. The difficulty in matching the names given to diseases with the diseases themselves is complicated by the often descriptive nature of the name which could fit a number of diseases plus the local names given to various diseases eg. Puerperal fever was variously known as childbed fever, nursing fever & sometimes white leg fever although the latter was a completely different ailment. Medical term Description ************ *********** Abasia Inability to walk or stand, caused by hysteria. Ablepsy Blindness Abortus fever Brucellosis, a disease caught from cattle via milk resulting in a fever. Abrachia A sort of monstrosity, consisting in the absence of arms. Abscess A localized collection of pus buried in tissues, organs, or confined, spaces of the body, often accompanied by swelling and inflammation Accoucheur A man who acts as a midwife. Accoucheuse A midwife. Accouchment childbirth, the period after childbirth. Acescency A tendency to sourness; incipient or slight acidity. Acholia Absence of bile, arrest of the functions of the liver so that matters from which bile is formed accumulate in the blood producing toxemia. Acute - (adj.) disease of sudden onset, severe, not chronic. Acute means a condition of recent origin whereas chronic means of long standing. Addison's disease A disease characterized by severe weakness, low blood pressure, and a bronzed coloration of the skin, due to decreased secretion of cortisol. anaemic condition caused by kidney disease. Thomas Addison (1793-1860) described the disease in 1855. Synonyms: Morbus addisonii, bronzed skin disease. Advert Used here in the archaic connotation: to turn one's attention toward, to take heed of, to observe. Adynamia Loss of movement or strength as a result of disease Aegrotat Is sick from. Aegrotantem Sickness, illness. Aglutition Inability to swallow Ague(s) Used to describe the recurring fever and chills of malarial infection Ague-cake A form of enlargement of the spleen, resulting from the actionof malaria on the system. Ague fit the paroxysm of the ague. See also malaria. Alvine Of or pertaining to the bowels. American Plague yellow fever Ambustio Scalding or burns. Anaemia lack of sufficient red blood cells, sometimes caused by iron deficiency and worsened by the medical practice of bleeding patients for virtually every condition. Also known as green fever, green sickness. See also chlorosis. Aneurysm a ballooning of an artery caused by a weakened artery wall. Anascara generalised dropsy. See dropsy. Anchylosis/ankylosis Abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint by fusion of the bones. Angina means choking, angina pectoris is a pain in the chest caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries. Anile Late Middle English: of or like an old woman; imbecile. Anthracosis Lung disease from breathing in coal dust. Aperient A laxative medicine or food. Aphonia Laryngitis Aphthae See thrush. Aphthous stomatitis See canker. Apoplexy [Late Middle English, through Late Latin from Greek apoplexia] 1. A sudden loss of sensation and movement due to a disturbance of blood supply to the brain; a stroke. 2. With specifying word: a haemorrhage or failure of blood supply in another organ or part. Now rare or obsolete. Ascites See dropsy. Asphycsia/Asphicsia Cyanotic and lack of oxygen. Asthenia See debility. Atelectasis Callapsed lung or lungs Atrophy of liver Any kind of wasting or diminshed function and could be applied to other organs Avoirdupois A system of weights based on a pound (avoirdupois pound) of 16 ounces or 7000 grains. Azote Nitrogen. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bad blood Syphilis Barbers rash or itch Possibly Impetigo infection of hair folicles from contaminated razor Barrell fever Colloquialism, Illness due to excessive drinking of alcohol Beriberi Disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine / vitamin B1 Berylliosis A lung disease cused by inhaling particles of beryllium, used in watch springs. This was common amongst clock/watchmakers Bilious fever A term loosely applied to certain intestinal and malarial fevers. See Typhus. Biliousness A complex of symptoms comprising nausea, abdominal discomfort,headache, and constipation, formerly attributed to excessive secretion of bile from the liver. Blackdamp Asphyxiating gas, mainly carbon dioxide in mines Black Death or Black plague, Bubonic plague An infectious fever caused by the bacillus Yersinia pestis transmitted by the rat flea. The disease in man has three clinical forms: bubonic, in which there is swelling of the lymph nodes (buboes); pneumonic, in which the lungs are extensively involved; and septicaemia, in which the bloodstream is infected so rapidly that death occurs before the bubonic or pneumonic symptoms have appeared. The Black Death in Europe killed about one quarter of the population between 1347 and 1351. The Great Plague in England was 1664-1665 and is described in the diaries of Samuel Pepys. It killed 70,000 out of a population of 460,000 in the London area. Synonym: pestis. Black Jaundice Wiel's disease, a bacterial infection of the liver carried by rats, which can affect farmers and sewage workers. Black pox Black Small pox. Black vomit Vomiting black blood due to stomach ulcers Blackwater fever A serious, often fatal complication of chronic malaria, characterised by the passage of bloody, dark red or black urine Bladder in throat Diphtheria Blood Poisoning septicaemia, an infection throughout the body. Bloody flux blood in the stools, see dysentery. Bloody sweat Sweating sickness Bistoury A surgeon's instrument, used in making incisions, of which there are three sorts; the blade of the first turns like that of a lancet; but the straight bistoury has the blade fixed in the handle; the crooked bistoury is shaped like a half moon, having the edge on the inside. [Johnson's Dictionary, 9th Edition, 1806] Blood poisoning Septicemia Boil An abscess of skin or painful inflammation of the skin or a hair Bone shave Sciatica Brain fever See meningitis, Typhus. Breakbone Dengue fever - an infectious disease of the tropics transmitted by mosquitoes and characterised by rash and aching head and joints Bright's Disease Glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation) Richard Bright (1789-1858) was a colleague of Thomas Addison at Guy's hospital in London and described this condition in 1827. Bronchial asthma A disorder of breathing, characterized by spasm of the bronchial tubes of the lungs, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing air Bronze John Yellow fever Brucellosis bacterial disease, especially of cattle, causing undulant fever in humans. Bule Boils, tumours or swelling Bursten hernia or rupture. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cacogastric Upset stomach Cacospysy Irregular pulse Cachexy also cachexia, a wasting syndrome. Caduceus Subject to falling sickness or epilepsy. Caisson disease Decompression sickness (the bends in divers) affected those who worked in caissons (chambers pressurised to keep out water) e.g. for building foundations for bridges under rivers. If they returned to normal pressure to quickly bubbles of nitrogen would form in their joints and tissues causing extreme pain, cramps & paralysis - & long term effects. Camp Fever Typhus Cancer a malignant and invasive growth or tumour. A virulent swelling or sore, not to be cured. Synonyms: malignant growth, carcinoma. tended to ulcerate, grew constantly. Cancrum otis A severe, destructive, erosive ulcer of the cheek and lip resulting from poor hygiene. It was often seen in delicate, ill-fed, ill-tended children and could be fatal as it led to gangrene of the facial tissues. The destructive disease could, in a few days, lead to gangrene of the lips, cheeks, tonsils, palate, tongue, and even half the face; teeth would fall from their sockets, and a horribly fetid saliva flowed from the parts. Synonyms: canker, water canker, noma, gangrenous stomatitis, gangrenous ulceration of the mouth. Canine Madness Hydrophobia or Rabies Canker An ulcerous sore of the mouth and lips, Herpes Simplex - not considered fatal today. Cardiac insufficiency where the heart is no longer able to pump efficiently. It may be a consequence of a heart attack or of damage to the valves. Carditis inflammation of the heart. Catalepsy seizures or trances characterised by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed. It is known to occur in a variety of physical and psychological disorders, such as epilepsy and schizophrenia, and can be induced by hypnosis Catamenia The menstrual discharge. Cataplasm Poultice. Catarrh Inflammation of a mucous membrane, especially of the air passages of the head and throat, with a free discharge. It is characterized by cough, thirst, lassitude, fever, watery eyes, and increased secretions of mucus from the air passages. Bronchial catarrh was bronchitis; suffocative catarrh was croup; urethral catarrh was gleet; vaginal catarrh was leukorrhea; epidemic catarrh was the same as influenza. Synonyms: cold, coryza. Nose and throat discharge from cold or allergy; influenza. Cerebritis Non-localised inflammation of the cerebrum Cerate [from cera, Latin, wax] A medicine made of wax, which, with oil, or some softer substance, makes a consistence softer than a plaster. [Johnson's Dictionary, 9th Edition, 1806] Chilblain An inflammation followed by itchy irritation on the hands, feet, or ears, resulting from exposure to moist cold Child's disease a form of liver cirrhosis, sometimes refers simply to a childs scarlet coloured rash. Childbed Childbirth. Child bed fever Infection following birth of a child; puerperal fever. Childbirth A cause given for many female deaths of the century. Almost all babies were born in homes and usually were delivered by a family member or a midwife; thus infection and lack of medical skill were often the actual causes of death. Chin cough Whooping cough or tussis convulsiva, mainly a disease of childhood associated with a strange sounding cough which often brings on vomiting. Synonyms: ching cough, pertussis, tussis convulsiva. (Tussis means cough; a cough medicine is an antitussive.) Chlorosis An iron-deficiency anemia, primarily of young women, characterised by a greenish-yellow discolouration of the skin. Also called greensickness Choke-damp Asphyxiating gas, largely carbon dioxide, accumulated in a mine, well, etc. Cholera An acute, infectious disease caused by Vibrio comma, endemic in India and China and now occasionally epidemic elsewhere: characterized by profuse diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps. It is caused by a potent toxin discharged by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which acts on the small intestine to cause secretion of large amounts of fluid. The painless, watery diarrhea and the passing of rice-water stool are characteristic. Great body-salt depletion occurs. Cholera is spread by feces-contaminated water and food. Major epidemics struck the United States in the years 1832, 1849, and 1866. In the 1830s the causes were generally thought to be intemperance in the use of ardent spirits or drinking bad water; uncleanness, poor living or crowded and ill-ventilated dwellings; and too much fatigue. By 1850 cholera was thought to be caused by putrid animal poison and miasma or pestilential vapor rising from swamps and marshes, or that it entered the body through the lungs or was transmitted through the medium of clothing. It was still believed that it attacked the poor, the dissolute, the diseased, and the fearful, while the healthy, well-clad, well-fed, and fearless man escaped the ravages of cholera. Cholera infantum a common, non-contagious diarrhoea of young children, occurring in summer or autumn. It was common among the poor and in hand-fed babies i.e. babies who were fed on mixtures of bread or flour and water, possibly with admixture of cows' milk, which might be infected, or condensed milk, which was vitamin deficient. Such brews of "pap" in addition to being nutritionally inadequate were easily infected with bacteria. Death frequently occurred in three to five days. The introduction of nutritionally balanced dried milk for babies and proper disinfection of bottles and teats reduced infant mortality very markedly in Britain from about 1910 onwards. Synonyms: summer complaint, weaning brash, water gripes, choleric fever of children, cholera morbus. Cholecystitus Inflammation of the gall bladder Cholelithiasis Gall stones Commotion Concussion Chorea Any of several diseases of the nervous system, characterised by jerky movements chiefly of the face and extremities. Synonym: Saint Vitus' Dance. Chorea Disease Convulsions, contortions and dancing as above. Chrisom An infant who died before or shortly after baptism. They can often be seen recorded as such in Parish Registers (they died before they received a name). Chronic of long standing as opposed to acute which means of recent origin. Cicatrized Scarred. Climacteric or Pertaining to or constituting a critical period in human life; also had a medical sense meaning (in females) climacterick occurring at or characteristic of menopause, or (in males) the period when fertility and libido are in decline. Grand climateric designated the 63rd year of life, supposed to be especially critical. Close Used here in one of the older senses: severe, rigorous, confined, airless, stifling. Clyster Injection, enema. Cobbler's Illness Pthisis, or TB. Caused by the Mycobacterium bovis bacteria, an infection caught from cattle or tanning or working with leather Cocaethes Semi-permanent or recurring ill health Cocker Pamper, indulge, coddle. Cold plague One of the many "-agues"; characterised by chills Colic Paroxysmal pain in the abdomen or bowels. Infantile colic is benign Confinement the conclusion of pregnancy; labour and childbirth. Congestion An excessive or abnormal accumulation of blood or other fluid Congestive Fever Malaria Congestive chills Malaria with diarrhoea Consumption A wasting away of the body; formerly applied especially to pulmonary tuberculosis. Convulsions (1) Severe contortion of the body caused by violent, involuntary muscular contrcations Convulsions (2) Whooping cough Corals in their hands "Red coral was regarded as the proper material for a baby to cut its teeth on from the Middle Ages until the end of the nineteenth century, when it was supplanted by hard rubber and then by plastics. A child's teething stick as often referred to as a coral." Thanks to Susan C. Mitchell for this information. Corruption Infection Coryza A cold Costive Here meaning constipated; elsewhere may mean reticent, slow, niggardly, etc. Costiveness Constipation Cramp Colic Appendicitis Creeping paralysis A term that encompasses multiple sclerosis Cretinism Hypothyroidism, congenital Croup (1) Any obstructive condition of the larynx (voice box) or trachea (windpipe), characterized by a hoarse, barking cough and difficult breathing occurring chiefly in infants and children. The obstruction could be caused by allergy, a foreign body, infection, or new growth (tumor). In the early 19th century it was called cynanche trachealis. The crouping noise was similar to the sound emitted by a chicken affected with the pip, which in some parts of Scotland was called roup; hence, probably, the term croup; Laryngitis, diphtheria, or strep throat; a childhood illness. Synonyms: roup, hives, choak, stuffing, rising of the lights. Croup (2) Diphtheria Crop sickness Overextended or distended stomach Cynanche inflammation of the throat. Cynanche maligna putrid sore throat. Cynanche parotidaea mumps. Cynanche pharyngaea inflammation of the pharynx. Cynanche tonsillaris inflammatory sore throat, See quinsy. Cynanche trachealis See croup. Cyanosis dark skin from lack of oxygenated blood. Cystitis inflammation of the bladder. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Diary fever Fever lasting one day; sweating sickness Day fever Fever lasting one day; sweating sickness Debility abnormal bodily weakness or feebleness; decay of strength. This was a term descriptive of a patient's condition and of no help in making a diagnosis. Synonym: asthenia. Decrepitude The quality or condition of being weakened, worn out, impaired, or broken down by old age, illness, or hard use Delirium tremens a nervous disorder involving muscular twitching and hallucinations caused by alcohol abuse. Also known as DT and the shakes. Dementia praecox schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterised by disordered thinking and auditory hallucinations. Dengue Fever An infectious disease of the tropics transmitted by mosquitoes and characterised by rash and aching head and joints Dentition The process of growing new teeth; teething Deplumation The falling out or loss of the eyelashes, tumor of the eyelids which causes hair loss. Diaphragmatitis inflammation of the diaphragm Diphtheria an acute and often fatal infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract in which a membrane grows across the throat. The organism responsible is Corynebacterium diphtheriae which does not penetrate into the tissues. However, it produces toxins which are absorbed. Synonym: malignant sore throat, putrid fever, membranous croup. Distemper Used here in the historical sense: Disturbed condition of the body or mind; ill health, illness; a mental or physical disorder; a disease or ailment. Dock fever see Yellow fever Dropsy a swelling caused by accumulation of abnormally large amounts of fluid. Caused by kidney disease or congestive heart failure. William Withering was the first to describe the use of a foxglove (digitalis) in the treatment of dropsy. A collection of water in the body. An anascara, a species of dropsy, is an extravasation of water lodged in the cells of the membrana adiposa. (Dr. Johnson died of dropsy) Dropsy of the Brain Encephalitis. Dry Bellyache Lead poisoning Dyscrasia An abnormal bodily condition, especially of the blood Dysentery inflammation of the intestine. There are two varieties: (1) amoebic dysentery (2) bacillary dysentery. Synonyms: flux, bloody flux, contagious pyrexia (fever), frequent griping stools. Dr. Johnson defined it as a disease in which the excrements are mixed with blood. Dyspepsia acid indigestion or heart burn. Downy evidently used here in the sense of the old slang phrase To do the downy i.e. to lie in bed. Dropsy A contraction for hydropsy. The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid. Congestive heart failure Dysentery A term given to a number of disorders marked by inflammation of the intestines (especially of the colon) Dysorexy or Dysorexia A diminished, disordered, or unnatural appetite Dyspepsia Disturbed digestion; indigestion. Heart attack symptoms are often blamed on Dyspepsia Dysury Difficult or painful discharge of urine --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eclampsia A form of toxemia (toxins--or poisons--in the blood) accompanying pregnancy, characterized by albuminuria (protein in the urine), by hypertension (high blood pressure), and by convulsions. In the last century, the term was used for any form of convulsion. Ecstasy A form of Catalepsy - a condition characterised by lack of response to external stimuli and by muscular rigidity, so that the limbs remain in whatever position they are placed. Eel thing Erysipelas - An acute disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by a species of streptococcus Elephantiasis Elephantiasis Chronic, often extreme enlargement and hardening of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue, especially of the legs and external genitals Effluvia exhalations. In the mid 19th century, they were called "vapours". Among the contagious effluvia were rubeolar (measles). Electuary A form of medicine made of conserves and powders, in the consistence of honey. Elephantiasis Gross enlargement of the body, especially the limbs, due to lymphatic obstruction by a nematode parasite transmitted by mosquitoes; a form of leprosy Embrocate. To rub any part diseased with medicinal liquors. [Johnson's Dictionary, 9th Edition, 1806] Emphysema, pulmonary A chronic, irreversible disease of the lungs. Empirics Used here with the archaic connotation: a person who practises medicine without scientific knowledge; a quack; a charlatan. Endocarditis disease of the heart valves that can result from rheumatic fever. English Sickness Rickets - weak bone growth due lack of Calcium or vitamin D / sunshine Enteric fever See typhoid fever. Enteritis inflammation of the bowel. Epilepsy a disorder of the nervous system, with either mild and occasional loss of attention or sleepiness (petit mal) or by severe convulsions with loss of consciousness (grand mal). Commonly caused by oxygen starvation during a difficult birth. Synonyms: falling sickness, fits. Epistaxis bleeding from the nose Erysipelas a feverish disease characterised by intense deep red local inflammation of the skin caused by Streptococcus bacterium. Synonyms: Rose, Saint Anthony's Fire. Epidemic catarrh Influenza? Bronchitis Epilepsy A disorder of the nervous system Erysipelas Contagious acute disease of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by a species of hemolytic streptococcus and marked by localised inflammation and fever. Also called Saint Anthony's fire Esculent Fit for food, eatable. Extravasated To force the flow of (blood or lymph) from a vessel out into surrounding tissue Extravasted Blood Rupture of the blood vessel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Faggot Used here in the Middle English sense of a bundle of sticks or twigs tied together for fuel. Falling Sickness Epilepsy Famine fever Typhus, relapsing fever Farinaceous Consisting of, made of, or characterized by flour or meal. Fatty liver Cirrhosis Fatuity Used here in the older sense meaning imbecility, dementia. Fecula [Latin faecula crust of wine, dim. of faex meaning dregs, sediment] 1 Sediment resulting from infusion of crushed vegetable matter; esp. starch obtained in this way. 2 Faecal matter of insects or other invertebrates. Modern usage of feculence and feculent meaning "filth, scum, containing or of the nature of feces" is derived from the 2nd meaning. Fistula a sinous ulcer within. Johnson also quotes from Sharp's Surgery on fistula lachrymalis - "a disorder of the canals leading from the eye to the nose which disrupts the natural progress of the tears. The last and worst degree of it is when the matter of the eye, by its long continuance, has not only corroded the neighbouring soft parts but also affected the subjacent bone". Fits Sudden attack or seizure of muscle activity Fleam An instrument used to bleed cattle, which is placed on the vein, and then driven by a blow. [Johnson's Dictionary, 9th Edition, 1806] Flux of humour Circulation. Flux See dysentery. French Pox Venereal disease, former name of syphilis. Johnson gives two meanings: pustules & many eruptive distempers and venereal disease. See also Syphilis. Funk A stink. A low word. [Johnson's Dictionary, 9th Edition, 1806] Furuncle See boil. Fustian A napped fabric of a mixture of linen and cotton or wool, or a blanket made of such material. [The New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- G.P.I or general paralysis of the insane. The third and final stage of syphilis which may not occur until many years after the primary phase. Galloping consuption Pulmonary Tuberculosis Gamboge A gum resin used as a bright yellow pigment and as a purgative; obtained from various eastern Asian trees of the genus Garcinia. Gangrene Death and decay of tissue in a part of the body--usually alimb-- Gastritis inflammation of the stomach. Gathering an accumulation of pus. Glandular fever Mononucleosis Glareous [from glarieux, French] Consisting of viscous transparent matter, like the white of an egg. [Johnson's Dictionary, 9th Edition, 1806] Gleet See catarrh. Glossitis inflammation of the tongue. Goitre swelling of the thyroid caused by shortage of iodine in the diet. Also known as Derbyshire neck. Gout an arthritic disease marked by recurrent acute attacks of pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling around the joints and tendons caused by deposits of monosodium urate crystals. Most gout cases are characterised by hyperuricaemia, i.e. high levels of uric acid in the body, that cause crystals to be deposited in the joint area. Uric acid is a normal breakdown product of purine metabolism. Abnormally elevated blood levels of uric acid, which are associated with gouty arthritis, arise through either excessive production of uric acid or decreased excretion of uric acid by the kidneys. The condition was not helped by high consumption of meat and port wine! The arthritis, a periodical disease with great pain. Gaol fever Typhus Great pox syphilis Gravel a disease characterised by small stones which are formed in the kidneys, passed along the ureters to the bladder, and expelled with the urine. See also stranguary. Synonym: kidney stone. Sandy matter concreted in the kidneys. Green sickness/fever Anaemia - a pathological deficiency in the oxygen-carrying component of the blood, measured in unit volume concentrations of hemoglobin, red blood cell volume, or red blood cell number Gripe Diarrhoea or cholera symptoms Griped With respect to the bowels: afflicted with spasmodic pain as if by contraction or constriction. Griping in the guts Diarrhoea Grippe an old term for influenza, also La Grippe or grip. Grocer’s itch Skin disease caused by mites in sugar or flour --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Haematemesis literally vomiting of blood. Haematuria passing blood in the urine. Haemorrhoids piles. Haemoptysis spitting blood. Handsel [Late Middle English] A gift supposedly bringing good luck, given to mark the beginning of a new year, a new enterprise, the wearing of new clothes, etc. Headmouldshot this is when the sutures of the skull, generally the coronal, ride: that is, have their edges shot over one another; which is frequent in infants and occasions convulsions and death. Such injury would result from difficulties in childbirth. Ricketts caused by vitamin D deficiency in addition to causing bow legs also caused deformations of the pelvis. In a woman this could make child birth more difficult than usual. The obstetric forceps were introduced into more general use in the middle of the 18th century. Heart sickness Condition caused by lack of salt Heat stroke A severe condition caused by impairment of the body's temperature-regulating abilities, resulting from prolonged exposure to excessive heat and characterised by cessation of sweating, severe headache, high fever, hot dry skin, and in serious cases collapse and coma and death Hectical complaint Recurrent fever Hectic fever A daily recurring fever with profound sweating, chills, and flushing. Hepatitis inflammation of the liver. Hemiplegy Paralysis of one side of body Hip gout Osteomyelitis - a usually bacterial infection of bone and bone marrow in which the resulting inflammation can lead to a reduction of blood supply to the bone Hives A skin eruption of smooth, slightly elevated areas on the skin which is redder or paler than the surrounding skin. commonly given cause of death of children three years and under because true hives does not kill, croup was probably the actual killer Horrors see Delirium tremens horseshoehead Inflammation or water on the brain. Hospital fever See Typhus. Hydrocele dropsy of the testicles Hydrocephalus enlarged head from accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, water on the brain. See Dropsy Hydropericardium collection of fluid around the heart resulting in constriction of the heart itself. Hydrophobia literally a fear of water which is a symptom of rabies. Hydrothorax congestion of the lungs, see also dropsy. Hydrothrax Accumulation of serous fluid in one or both pleural cavities Hypertrophic A non-tumorous enlargement of an organ or a tissue as a result of an increase in the size rather than the number of constituent cells Hysteria Wild uncontrollable emotion, excitement, functional dusturbance of the nervous system. Hysteritis inflammation of the womb. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Icterus See jaundice. Imposthume a collection of purulent matter in a bag or cyst. Impetigo A contagious bacterial skin infection, usually of children, that is characterised by the eruption of superficial pustules and the formation of thick yellow crusts, commonly on the face Inanition Exhaustion, as from lack of nourishment or vitality Infantile paralysis poliomyelitis. Infection long before Pasteur discovered that infections were caused by micro-organisms there was an appreciation that disease could be passed from person to person called the contagion theory. There was a competing theory that held that diseases were spread by bad smells, hence the use of scented posies to guard against plague. Both theories were inadequate but had some elements of truth in that the presence of a bad smell indicates rotting matter from which an infection might be transmitted by contaminated water or by flies to food. Other infections are passed by direct physical contact such as venereal disease and some by droplets in the air from coughs and sneezes such as pulmonary tuberculosis. See also miasma. Inflammation the classic definition comes from the Roman physician Celsus who described four symptoms - tumor (swelling), calor (heat), rubor (redness), and dolor (pain). Inanition Exhaustion from lack of nourishment; starvation. Intermittent Fever Illness marked by episodes of fever with return to completely normal temperature; usually malaria. Intermittents Recurring fever (see above) Intestinal colic Pain due to distention of the intestines by gas, normally caused by bad or improper diet. Intussusception The slipping of one part within another, as the prolapse of one part of the intestine into the lumen of an immediately adjoining part. This leads to obstruction and often must be relieved by surgery. Synonym: introsusception. Irish disease Typhus, possibly relapsing fever --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jail fever See Typhus. Jaundice Yellow discoloration of the skin, a yellow pigment deposited in the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes, caused by an increase of bile pigments in the blood. Synonym: icterus. A distemper from obstruction of the glands of the liver which prevents the gall from being duly separated from the blood. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kidney stone See gravel. Kings evil A popular name for Scrofula, a tubercular infection of the throat lymph glands. The name originated in the time of Edward the Confessor, with the belief that the disease could be cured by the touch of the king of England. A scrofulous distemper, in which the glands are ulcerated, commonly believed to be cured by the touch of a king. Dr. Johnson suffered from it as a boy and was touched for it by Queen Anne. She was the last monarch to touch for the King's evil. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the infected gland was lanced and drained. This often lead to a noticeable scar on the neck as the wound might continue to seep for a time. Kink (1) Fit of coughing or choking Kink (2) Whooping cough Kruchhusten Whooping cough --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lead poisoning This was common in the 18th and 19th centuries for two reasons; workers were exposed to lead in pottery glazes and paints or other industries extracting or using the metal. In addition some lead salts were used in medicine before the dangers were appreciated. (Sugar of lead is lead acetate). Lead and its compounds cause nerve and brain damage resulting in paralysis, and mental disorders. In addition, it causes anaemia and a blue line on the gums. Analysis of a sample of Beethoven's hair in 2000 showed that he had been exposed to lead, probably from medicines. The book Purple Secret, describes the illness of George III, which is now attributed on genetic and medical evidence to porphyria. However the book does not point out the widespread use of lead in medicines of the period or describe the symptoms which ensue, some of which are similar to those seen with lead poisoning. Leprosy long lasting disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. Dr. Johnson describes it as a loathsome distemper, which covers the body with a kind of white scales. Lethargy a morbid drowsiness; a sleep from which one cannot be kept awake. The term appears to have had a more precise meaning in Johnson's time and would seem akin to what we would call coma. Lenitive Assuasive, emolient. [Johnson's Dictionary, 9th Edition, 1806] Liberty Used here in a late Middle English sense: A district controlled by a city though outside its boundary, or a district within the limits of a county but exempt from the jurisdiction of the sheriff and having a separate commission of the peace. Little's Disease Spastic diplegia. Livergrown having a great liver. (Possibly as a result of high alcohol consumption!) Lockjaw Tetanus, a disease in which the jaws become firmly locked Locomotor ataxia A movement disorder caused by syphilitic infection of the spinal cord. Synonyms: tabes dorsalis. Long sickness Tuberculosis Looseness Dysentery Lues see syphilis. Lues Venera Venereal disease Lumbago A painful condition of the lower back, as one resulting from muscle strain or a slipped disk Lunatic mad, having the imagination influenced by the moon. Dr. Johnson gives the original meaning of the term but it probably covered a range of disorders such as schizophrenia and congenital disabilities. Lung Fever Pneumonia Lung Sickness Tuberculosis Lupus erythematosus a chronic disease causing degeneration of connective tissue. It causes red skin lesions, inflammation of joints and lesions of the internal organs. Female sufferers have difficulty in carrying a child. Queen Anne had lupus erythematosus and although she had 17 pregnancies she had no heirs; one child lived to the age of ten. Lupus vulgaris A chronic tubercular infection of the skin involving soft yellow swellings, ulcers and abscesses. Synonym: common lupus. Lying In Refers to the period around childbirth, often to the whole period of pregnancy. The process of child birth is commonly called parturition. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Malaria a disease caused by parasitic protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted by the bites of insects such as mosquitoes. Synonyms: ague, congestive fever, marsh fever, paroxymal fever, remitting fever. Malignant sore throat diphtheria Malignant fever See Typhus. Manna A gum, or honey-like juice concreted into a solid form, seldom so dry but it adheres to the fingers: its colour is whitish, or brownish, and it has sweetness, and with it a sharpness that renders it agreeable: manna is the product of two different trees, both varieties of the ash: when the heats are free from rain, these trees exudate a white juice. It is but lately that the world were convinced of the mistake of manna being an aerial produce, by covering a tree with sheets in the manna season, and the finding as much manna on it as on those which were open to the air. [Johnson's Dictionary, 9th Edition, 1806] Mania insanity Marasmus Malnutrition occurring in infants and young children. Marsh miasm early term for Malaria ( sometimes called paludal poison) Measles an infectious viral disease marked by rash of red circular spots. A critical eruption in a fever. Melancholia sadness or depression. Literally it means black bile; the ancient Greeks associated four personality types with body fluids - sanguine (dominant fluid blood) choleretic (bile), phelgmatic (phlegm) and melancholic (black bile). Membranous Croup hoarse cough, diphtheria. Meningitis A term in modern usage which is used for inflammation of the membranes on the surface of the brain, involving high fever, severe headache, and stiff muscles in the neck or back. Can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections Synonym: brain fever and cerebrospinal fever. Menorrhagia flooding, excessive menstrual bleeding. Metritis Inflammation of the lining of the uterus (of the endometrium) Miasma "poisonous vapours" (bad smells) that were believed to spread infection. Milk Sick poisoning resulting from the drinking of milk produced by a cow who had eaten a plant known as white snakeroot. White Snakeroot contains the toxin tremetol; when the plants are consumed by cattle, the meat and milk become contaminated with the toxin. When milk or meat containing the toxin is consumed, the poison is passed onto humans. If consumed in large enough quantities, it can cause tremetol poisoning in humans. Milk Leg thrombosis of veins in the legs caused by lying in bed too long after childbirth. It leads to ulceration of the skin. Synonym: white leg, phlegmasia alba dolens. Miliary Fever small pustules or vesicles on the skin, so called as they resemble millet seed. Military fever scarlatina/diphtheria Morbus Cordis Bronchitis Mormal gangrene Morphew Scurvy blisters Mortification Infection Mostalgia Homesickness (misspelled Nostalgia?) Mule Spinner's Scrotum A form of squamous cell carcinoma affecting mule spinners in the cotton-spinning industry, due to continued soaking of the clothes and abdomen by arsenic, tar, and carcinogenic oils. In Lancashire, the lubricating oils were derived from Scottish oil shales, which processed shale oils have since been recognised as carcinogenic Myelitis literally an inflammation of a nerve. Myocarditis inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Naples disease another name for syphilis. Natural decay death through old age is frequently shown on death certificates as natural decay. Synonym: senile decay. Nephritis inflammation of the kidney. Necrosis Death of cells or tissues through injury or disease, especially in a localized area of the body Nephrosis A disease of the kidneys marked by degenerative lesions, especially of the winding uriniferous tubules Nepritis Any of various acute or chronic inflammations of the kidneys, such as Bright's disease Nervous prostration an emotional disorder that leaves you exhausted and unable to work Neuralgia Sharp and paroxysmal pain along the course of a sensory nerve. Neurasthenia neurotic condition. New disease (1663) Typhus New distempers influenza? An Influenza type respiratory disease Nostalgia Homesickness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oedema swelling caused by retention of fluid such as might occur with a weakened heart. Open winter A winter free from frost; may derive from the fact that ports and harbors remain open during such a winter because they are not blocked by ice. Operative An older usage: concerned with mechanical or manual work. Opthalmitis inflammation of the eye. Otitis inflammation of the ear. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Paludal Poison Early description of Malaria Palsy a privation of motion or feeling or both, proceeding from some cause below the cerebellum, joined with a coldness, flaccidity, and at last wasting of the parts. If affecting all the parts below the head, except the thorax and heart it is called a paraplegia, if in one side only a hemiplegia; if in some parts only on one side, a paralysis. This definition could include conditions arising from spinal injuries and stroke as well as conditions such as Bell's palsy and cerebral palsy. Shaking palsy is Parkinson's disease. Paristhmitis see quinsy. Paroxysm convulsion. Panada Bread boiled in water to a pulp and flavoured. Paristhmitis See quinsy. parturition Childbirth Pemphigus vesicular fever. Pericarditis inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane around the heart. Peritonitis inflammation of the peritoneal cavity in which the intestines lie. Petechial fever see typhus. Phlegmasia general term for inflammation. Phlegmasia Alba Dolens Milk Leg - Painful thrombosis of the femoral vein in the leg following childbirth Phrenitis Early use: infammation of the brain, with acute fever and delirium. Later use: infammation of the diaphragm. Phthisic, phthisis [From Greek phthisikos through Latin and Old French] 1 Pulmonary tuberculosis. 2 Any of various lung or throat affections; a severe cough; asthma. 3 Wasting of the body or pulmonary tuberculosis Phthisis See consumption. Phthisis Chronic wasting away or another name for tuberculosis Phthiriasis Lice infestation Physic [From Latin physica and Greek phusike through Old French fisique] 1 Natural science. 2 The art or practice of healing. Medical people collectively. 3 Medical treatment; fig. a healthy practice or habit; a mental, moral, or spiritual remedy. 4 Medicine; specifically, a cathartic. 5 Medical science; the physician's art. Pilch A triangular piece of (usually waterproof) material worn over a baby's nappy (diaper). Pink disease disease in children caused by mercury poisoning from the use of mercury salts in teething powders. Pin-a-fore 1 An apron, especially one with a bib, originally pinned to the front of a dress; a sleeveless wraparound garment tied at the back, worn to protect the clothes. 2 Historical A collarless sleeveless girl's garment worn over a dress and fastened at the back. Planet struck Confused, or paralytic. Plague/Black Death Bubonic Plague, or a widespread affliction or calamity, especially one seen as divine retribution Plague ague (late 1700s) unclear, possibly Malaria??? pleuritis inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the chest cavity. Symptoms are chills, fever, dry cough, and pain in the affected side. Pleurisy Inflammation of the pleura, the lining of the chest cavity. Pneumonia Inflammation of the lungs Pneumonitis inflammation of the lungs. Podagra Gout or pain in the feet. Potter’s asthma Fibroid phthisis - the term was formerly applied to many wasting diseases, but is now usually restricted to pulmonary phthisis, or consumption Pomatum Hair ointment, pomade. Posture Used here in an archaic sense: position relative to that of another; situation. Potters' asthma Workers in the pottery industry of Staffordshire were exposed to dust from dried clay and in some cases from ground flints and bone used as clay additives. They developed an inflammation of the lung similar to that of miners with silicosis. Pott's disease Tuberculosis of the spinal vertebrae Pox Colloquially, Syphilis or gonorrhea. Prostitis inflammation of the prostate gland. Protein disease Gomerulonephritis; a once relatively common childhood kidney disease that causes the kidney to leak protein. This is a secondary (allergic) reaction to certain kinds of strep infections Pultaceous Semi-fluid, pulpy. Puking fever Milk sickness Purgings As used here, means a violent evacuation of the bowels. Purlieu [Probably from Anglo-Norman purale] 1. historical A tract of land on the border of a forest, especially one formerly included within the forest boundaries, and still partly subject to the forest laws. 2. An outlying district of a city or town, a suburb. Also, a squalid or disreputable street or quarter. 3. The outskirts or surroundings of a place. 4.A place where a person has the right to range at large; a person's usual haunts, bounds, limits. Puerperal fever a fever arising after giving birth, also called child bed fever, caused by bacterial infection and commonly fatal until the introduction of sulphonamides and later antibiotics in the middle of the 20th century. Purples spots of a livid colour, which break out in malignant fevers. Purpyles scarlatina/diptheria Putrid Fever Dipheria, or sometimes Typhus Putrid sore throat Ulceration of an acute form, attacking the tonsils. see also Quinsy. Pyrexia See dysentery. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quinsy [Sometimes also seen as squinacy, squinancy, or variant spelling quinsey] Pus-filled swelling in the soft palate around the tonsils, usually as a complication of tonsillitis often leading to an abscess. Synonyms: suppurative tonsillitis, cynanche tonsillaris, paristhmitis, sore throat. A tumid inflammation in the throat, which sometimes produces suffocation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Remitting Fever Malaria Rennet Curdled milk from the abomasum of an unweaned calf or other ruminant, containing rennin and used in curdling milk for cheese, junket, etc. Also, a preparation of the inner membrane of the abomasum similarly used, or a plant or other substitute for animal rennet used to curdle milk, esp. lady's bedstraw (Galium verum). Rising of the Lights croup - any obstructive condition of the larynx or trachea (windpipe), characterised by a hoarse, barking cough and difficult breathing, occurring chiefly in infants and children. Lights' is an old word for lungs. Into the twentieth century you could purchase 'cat's lights', that is to say, bovine lungs as a food for cats. The phrase 'I'll knock yer lights out' refers to the lungs. Rheumatismus rheumatism. Rickets Disease of skeletal system resulting from a deficiency of calcium or vitamin D in the diet, or from lack of sunlight Rose cold A spring or early summer hay fever. Also called Rose Fever Rotanny fever Child's disease, a form of liver cirrhosis, but sometimes refers simply to a childs scarlet coloured rash. Roseola a rose-colored skin rash, sometimes occurring with diseases such as measles, syphilis, or scarlet fever Rubella German measles. Rubeola Measles --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Saginate Fatten an animal for food. Sago Starch prepared from the pith of several palms and cycads, used as an article of food. Salep A starchy preparation of the dried tubers of various orchids, esp. of the genus Orchis, used in cookery and formerly as a tonic. Sanguinous Crust Scab Sapid [ L. sapidus ] 1. Of food etc.: having a distinct (esp. pleasant) taste or flavour, savoury, palatable. 2. Of talk, writing, etc.: agreeable, mentally stimulating. Scarlatina Scarlet fever. A contagious disease caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, which attacks the red blood cells and produces inflammation of the nose, throat and mouth, headache, sickness and red rash. Synonym: scarlet rash. Scarlet Fever Acute infectious fever caused by haemolytic streptococcus infection in the throat Scarlet rash Roseola - a rose-colored skin rash, sometimes occurring with diseases such as measles, syphilis, or scarlet fever Scirrhus A large, hard, and painless swelling. Apparently refers in this case to a carcinoma of the stomach. The closely related word 'scirrhous' was used to refer to a growth, often a carcinoma, that was hard and strong due to dense fibrous tissue. Scofula Tubercular infection of lymph glands in throat Scotomy Obscuration of the field of vision due to the appearance of a dark spot before the eye Scrivener’s palsy Writer’s cramp Septic Infected, a condition of local or generalized invasion of the body Screws rheumatism Scurvy vitamin C deficiency disease, common on long voyages and characterised by softening of the gums, haemorrhages under the skin and general debility. It was found by the British naval surgeon, James Lind, in 1753 that it could be prevented by including citrus fruits in the diet. The practice was finally adopted by the British Navy in the 1790s. The use of limes led to British seaman being referred to as limeys. Synonym: scorbutus. An agent for treating scurvy is sometimes known as an antiscorbutic. Scrumpox Skin disease, impetigo Shingles a painful skin condition, commonly in older people, caused by the virus that produces chicken pox which can remain dormant in the body for many years. Ship's Fever Typhus Schistorrhachis A congenital defect in which the spinal column is imperfectly closed so that part of the meninges or spinal cord protrudes, often resulting in hydrocephalus and other neurological disorders. Also called Spina Bifida Siriasis Also called insolation - heat stroke caused by exposure to the sun and characterised by a rise in temperature, convulsions, and coma Sloes Milk sickness Small-pox an eruptive distemper of great malignity. Also known as variola. A viral infection producing fever and a skin rash followed by pustules which leave permanent scars. The disease was often fatal in the 18th and 19th centuries but is now believed to have been eradicated by vaccination programmes. Edward Jenner pioneered vaccination using material from cow-pox pustules in the late 18th century. Inoculation with live small pox had been used earlier in the 18th century having been introduced as a technique from the Middle East. Queen Anne died of small-pox Softening Of The Brain senility or general paralysis of the insane (GPI) which is tertiary syphilis. Also used for cerebral haemorrhage and or stroke. Sore throat distemper Diphtheria or Quinsy Spanish influenza Influenza that caused several waves of pandemic in 1918-1919, resulting in over 20 million deaths worldwide Spasms Sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles Spina bifida A congenital defect in which the spinal column is imperfectly closed so that part of the meninges or spinal cord Splenitits inflammation of the spleen. Sprue A chronic, chiefly tropical disease characterised by diarrhoea, emaciation, and anaemia, caused by defective absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract Spotted fever Rickettsial fever; Also could be typhus or meningitis. Spotted Typhus virulent Typhus strain (1830 to 1834) St. Anthony's Fire Erysipelas, or inflammation of the skin due to ergot poisoning. see erysipelas. St. Vitus Dance a twitching of the limbs consequent on streptococcal infections also known as chorea Sancti Viti. Strangery Rupture Stranguary restricted urine flow. A difficulty of urine attended with pain. This could have included bladder stones and enlargement of the prostate. See also gravel. Strophulus prickly heat. Sudor Anglicus Sweating sickness. This was a mysterious and very virulent disease which struck England and later Europe in a series of epidemics, beginning in 1485 and finishing in 1551, afterwards apparently vanishing. The onset of symptoms was dramatic and sudden, with death often occurring within hours. Its cause still remains unknown. symptoms: no rash or scabs, starts suddenly with a feeling of fear or apprehension, cold shivers for a short time followed by hot sweats for a few hours, head and limb aches, delirium, rapid pulse, exhaustion & collapse. Surviving this illness did not give immunity against future infection. Suffocation The stoppage of respiration. In the nineteenth century, suffocation was reported as being accidental or homicidal. The accidents could be by the impaction of pieces of food or other obstacles in the pharynx or by the entry of foreign bodies into the larynx (as a seed, coin, or food). Suffocation of newborn children by smothering under bedclothes may have happened from carelessness as well as from intent. However, the deaths also could have been due to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), wherein the sudden and unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant, while asleep, typically occurs between the ages of three weeks and five months and is not explained by careful postmortem studies. Synonyms of SIDS: crib death and cot death. It was felt that victims of homicidal suffocation were chiefly infants or feeble and infirm persons. Summer complaint see cholera infantum also dysentery or baby diarrhoea caused by spoiled milk. Stomatitis Inflammation of the mucous tissue of the mouth Stranger’s fever Yellow fever Suppurating producing pus. Suppuration The production of pus. Swamp sickness Could be malaria, typhoid or encephalitis... Sweating sickness Infectious and fatal disease common in the UK in the 15th century. Sweating sickness, also known as "English sweating sickness" or "English sweate" (Latin: sudor anglicus), was a mysterious and highly virulent disease that struck England, and later continental Europe, in a series of epidemics beginning in 1485. The last outbreak occurred in 1551, after which the disease apparently vanished. The onset of symptoms was dramatic and sudden, with death often occurring within hours. Though its cause remains unknown, it has been suggested that an as yet unknown species of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome was responsible for the outbreak. Synochus fever Syphilis long lasting contagious venereal disease caused by bacterium Treponema pallidum, characterised by three stages, primary, secondary and tertiary. It is infectious only in the primary phase, lasting 2 to 3 months, when it is characterised by genital sores. Dr Samuel Johnson's biographer, James Boswell, died of syphilis. Kings believed to suffer from it were Henry VIII, Charles II, James II, George II and William IV. Synonyms: French Pox, Lues, Bad Blood, Great Pox, Morbus Gallicus, Naples disease, Spanish disease. See also G.P.I. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tabes dorsalis tubercular infection of the spine. Tabes mesenterica tubercular infection of the lymph glands in the abdomen. Teething Teething infants sometimes suffered infections of the gums as the teeth erupted leading to pain and swelling. If the infection became systemic, it could lead to convulsions, diarrhoea and even death. Another explanation of teething as a cause of death is that infants were often weaned at the time of teething and may have encountered contaminated milk or food. In older people tooth decay and gum disease leading to abscesses could result in septicaemia. Josiah Wedgwood, the celebrated pottery manufacturer, died from a tooth infection. Tetanus an infectious, often fatal disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through wounds. Synonyms: trismus, lockjaw. Tertians Malaria Testaceous Consisting of shells; composed of shells. [Johnson's Dictionary, 9th Edition, 1806] Testaceous powders Medicinal powders prepared from the shells of animals. Tetanus An infectious, often-fatal disease caused by a specific bacterium Thrush a disease in which there are white spots and ulcers in the mouth, and on the tongue, caused by a parasitic fungus, Candida albicans. There is a similar condition of the vagina. Synonyms: aphthae, sore mouth, aphthous stomatitis. Small round superficial ulcerations, which first appear in the mouth. Tire-woman A woman [whose] whole business is to make is to make dresses for the head. [Johnson's Dictionary, 9th Edition, 1806] Tissick Tuberculosis, which could also be referred to as phthisis or consumption. Tormina Acute wringing pains in the abdomen; colic, gripes. Toxemia of pregnancy Eclampsia (high blood pressure & seizures) Trench fever a louse borne infection characterised by headaches, inflamed eyes, skin rashes and pains in the legs. The infective agent is Rickettsia quintana. Trench mouth A painful infection of the mouth and throat characterised by ulcerations of the mucous membranes, bleeding, and foul breath. It is caused by the bacterium Fusobacterium fusiforme in combination with the spirochete Treponema vincentii. Also called Vincent's angina , Vincent's infection . Trismus Mascentium or A form of tetanus seen only in infants, especially of a part of the body: Neonatorum Tumid swollen, inflated, protuberant, bulging. Tuberculosis A chronic infectious disease that can affect a variety of organs. The most common variety is pulmonary tuberculosis or consumption, passed on via droplets in coughs and sneezes. Tuberculosis of the lymph glands in the neck was called scrofula or King's Evil. The disease could be contracted through infected milk. See consumption and King's Evil. Tussis convulsiva Whooping cough Tympany A kind of obstructed flatulence that swells the body like a drum. Typhoid fever an infectious disease producing intestinal inflammation and ulceration. It was usually encountered in the summer months. It is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhosa. The name came from the disease's similarity to typhus (see below). Synonym: enteric fever. Typhus An acute, infectious disease caused by the parasite Rickettsia prowazekii, transmitted by lice and fleas. It is marked by high fever, stupor alternating with delirium, intense headache and dark red rash. The epidemic or classic form is louse borne; the endemic or murine is flea borne. Sir William Jenner, (1815-1898) , was the first physician to establish the distinct identities of typhus and typhoid fevers. Synonyms: typhus fever, malignant fever (in the 1850s), jail fever, hospital fever, ship fever, putrid fever, brain fever, bilious fever, spotted fever, petechial fever, camp fever, camp diarrhoea. The name typhus was not mentioned by Dr. Johnson; in his time it was covered among the fevers. Typhus, because it was flea borne, was often prevalent in the winter months when people were less likely to wash their clothes or indeed themselves. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Undulant fever brucellosis, an infectious fever contracted from contaminated milk. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Varicella Chicken pox Valetudinary Tendency to be in poor health or to be overly concerned about one's health. Variola smallpox Venesection Surgical incision into a vein; used to treat hemochromatosis - an hereditary disorder affecting iron metabolism in which excessive amounts of iron accumulate in the body tissues. The disorder is characterised by diabetes mellitus, liver dysfunction, and a bronze pigmentation of the skin. Viper’s dance See St. Vitus Dance Virus An ultramicroscopic, metabolically inert infectious agent that replicates only within the cells of living hosts, mainly bacteria, plants, and animals. In the early 1800s virus meant poison, venom, or contagion. Vitriol As used here probably refers to sulphuric acid; also used for any of the various sulphates of metallic elements. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wasting sickness Tuberculosis Water on the brain Encephalitis Wet Lung Severe pulmony congestion characterised by diffuse injury to the membranes of the lungs. White swelling Tuberculosis of the bone Whooping cough see chin cough. White leg see milk leg. Winter Fever pneumonia Winter fever Pneumonia Womb fever Infection of the uterus Wool sorters' disease anthrax, a disease formerly found in farm animals that could be transmitted to man. Now rare in developed countries but common in central Asia. Worm fever may have been used to indicate a fever or enteritis during which worms were passed in the faeces. It is given as a cause of death of children in the early 19th century. Worm fit Convulsions associated with teething, worms, elevated temperature or diarrhoea --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yellow fever An acute, often-fatal, infectious disease of warm climates caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. An infectious febrile disease transmitted by mosquitoes, especially Aledes aegypti, and characterized by liver damage and jaundice, fever, and protein in the urine. In 1900 Walter Reed and others in Panama found that mosquitoes transmit the disease. Clinicians in the late nineteenth century recognized "specific yellow fever" as being different from "malarious yellow fever." The latter supposedly was a form of malaria with liver involvement but without urine involvement. Yellowjacket Yellow fever