ITV's Victoria illustrates how 19th-century sexism helped syphilis to spread

With concealment common and women expected not even to show knowledge of the disease, infection of families by men was widespread across all classesSpoiler alert! Plot points fromVictoria are revealed in this blogHistorically,syphilis was extremely difficult to cure. Often patients would think that their disease had disappeared or been cured, only to be have their bodies betray them with a resurgence of symptoms. This was the story outlined in Sunday night ’s episode of Victoria – but aside from the obvious scientific questions about drugs and treatment regimes, it also raises points about the treatment of women.In Victoria, things were finally looking up for Prince Ernest (David Oakes). He was responding well to treatment and, consequently, had been given the all-clear by his doctor to marry. Moreover, the Duke of Sutherland had considerately fallen off his horse, making Harriet (Margaret Clunie) a merry widow and prospective bride. But that was before a coppery rash appeared across Ernest ’s splendid shoulders.Continue reading...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - October 16, 2017 Category: Science Authors: Dr Anne Hanley Tags: Science Sexual health History of science Women Society Feminism Source Type: news