Early medical terminology can be confusing. I've been looking for definitions of some of the diseases my early family had. Some of the names they used could be misleading. For years I was thinking breast complaint must be breast cancer. Four women in the same family died of this, i.e, Polly Forgey, Ellen Forgey, Betsy Forgey, and Rachel Forgey. I was thinking it was hereditary breast cancer. When I googled "died of Breast Complaint" I found several references to tuberculosis. I found a google book called, "Language of Mormon Pioneers." Here is their definition of breast complaint:
Apoplexy also perplexed me. Apoplexy would be referred to as a stroke today.
Before clinical tests were developed the cause of death or disease could only be surmised from previous experience or autopsy, and may not have been accurate. Scholars still debate the causes of some early epidemics.
4 comments:
I feel your pain. The agues have different types too ... could be typhus (Irish or Spotted Ague), malaria (Chronic), or (my personal favorite) "Leaping Ague" - increased efficiency, but depraved direction of the will, producing an irresistible propensity to dance, tumble, and move about in a fantastic manner, and often with far more than the natural vigor, activity, and precision.
In hindsight, my daughter was apparently afflicted with Leaping Ague from age 3 to age 9.
Here's a link that might help: http://www.antiquusmorbus.com/English/EnglishA.htm
Some fantastical descriptions of diseases back in the day.
Thanks very much for the info Jenny! Yes, some very strange disease descriptions, for sure :D! I will definitely take a look at the link. I am often stumped by causes of death.
One of my ancestors died of "Epaulus." Since I've been unable to find a definition anywhere, I'm wondering if it's a misspelling, but of what?
Wow, that is strange! Never seen that one before. It is likely a misspelling. If you find out what that was let me know. I'm curious.
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