Interpreting a
n eighteenth century reference to the pox can be confusing. There are a number of infections referred to as poxes, and all result in pockmarks that scar the victim. However, if the context hints at some sort of “sinful” activity, it is probably safe to rule out smallpox, chickenpox, or cowpox and consider the affliction a venereal disease.
But was it gonorrhea or syphilis? For centuries the distinction was blurry at best. Most, including those in the medical profession, believed the clap (gonorrhea) was simply the first stage of syphilis. The malady might develop into the “great pox,” then again it might not.
It wasn’t until late in the nineteenth century that the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoea was identified and gonorrhea was officially recognized as a disease distinct from syphilis.
Contracting the dreaded pox was a real concern in the 18th century, and evidence suggests the condom, though expensive, was a recognized preventative.
“Have ye the clap, Liam?”
“No. Benjamin believes he does, though.”
“Oh.” David had to admit that if he’d thought of the risk at all, it was only as some remote possibility. But Benjamin . . . Beni was a dockhand he and Liam had met early on, and they’d spent many a night carousing with him as he’d guided them through the darker side of Philly. Maybe the time had come to give up that distraction, while he was ahead.
“I’m thinking a condom might be a bargain at the price,” Liam said. ~ Voices Beckon
