The Plague of Lust, Vol. 2 (of 2) / Being a History of Venereal Disease in Classical Antiquity

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

63246

Title

The Plague of Lust, Vol. 2 (of 2) / Being a History of Venereal Disease in Classical Antiquity

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Dr. Julius Rosenbaum's historical medical treatise examines venereal diseases in classical antiquity, detailing ancient diagnostic methods, pathological theories involving humors, and diverse therapeutic remedies ranging from herbal poultices to surgical cauterization.

Summary up to 500 words

Dr. Julius Rosenbaum's *The Plague of Lust, Vol. 2* serves as a comprehensive historical record of venereal disease as understood by ancient physicians. The text systematically catalogs various genital ulcers, distinguishing between conditions such as aphthae, cancer (eating ulcers), and phlegmonous inflammation. The narrative delves into the etiology of these ailments, attributing them to 'evil humors,' seasonal influences, and specific sexual practices, including both natural coition and paederastia. The work highlights how ulcers were frequently viewed as outcomes of general infection or antecedent humoral imbalances, a perspective that paralleled medical thought in much later centuries. The book explores the treatments prescribed by authorities such as Galen, Celsus, and Paulus Aegineta, offering a wide array of remedies. These include ceratum rosaceum (wax-salve of roses), verdigris, and specific dietary regimens. The text addresses complications like phimosis and paraphimosis, noting that wounds of the prepuce were often obstinate in healing. Treatments varied based on the nature of the ulcer; for instance, fatty matters were deemed unsuitable for the genitals, while astringents and desiccatives were beneficial unless a phlegmonous condition was present. In such cases, poultices of barley-meal, hydromel, and vine-leaves were recommended. Galen specifically recommended ceratum rosaceum in early stages, enhanced by Sabine oil, while Paulus Aegineta prescribed mixtures of butter and resin. For painful ulcers, pompholyx (flowers of zinc) and woman's milk were suggested. The text also details the use of lead, papyrus ash, and washing with urine as beneficial remedies. In severe cases involving spreading or eating ulcers, remedies like verdigris combined with honey and sulphur were employed. However, the author notes that recourse to cauterizing irons and the knife was often unavoidable, especially if gangrene supervened or if the callosity of the ulcer edges prevented cicatrisation. Beyond medical science, the work addresses the social and religious contexts of these diseases. It references biblical laws regarding flux and leprosy, distinguishing between ordinary pollution and morbid discharge. The text also touches upon the social stigma associated with venereal disease, linking it to vice and immorality, as seen in anecdotes about ascetics succumbing to lust and subsequently contracting leprosy. Through extensive citations of classical sources, the book reconstructs the medical science of the era, highlighting the transition from purely therapeutic prescriptions to a more nuanced understanding of pathology, while noting the frequent recurrence of gangrene and the use of surgical intervention when necessary.

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Categories

• History
• Science