Health of Samuel Johnson

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Health of Samuel Johnson

The health of Samuel Johnson, a prominent 18th-century English writer, lexicographer, and critic, has been a subject of interest among biographers and scholars due to its significant impact on his life and work. Johnson suffered from a variety of physical and mental health issues throughout his life, which have been documented in his own writings and those of his contemporaries, most notably James Boswell in Life of Johnson.

Early Life and Scrofula

Johnson was born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, in 1709. Early in his childhood, he contracted scrofula, a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes. At the age of two and a half, he was taken to London to be touched by Queen Anne, a common treatment of the time believed to cure the disease. Despite this, the scrofula left him with scars on his face and neck, and it is believed to have adversely affected his hearing and vision.

Physical Health Issues

Throughout his life, Johnson struggled with various physical health issues. He was notably large and robust but suffered from poor eyesight and hearing. Additionally, he exhibited signs of what might today be diagnosed as Tourette syndrome, characterized by involuntary tics and vocalizations. Johnson also experienced bouts of gout, a form of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream, which caused him great pain and discomfort.

Mental Health

Johnson's mental health is a topic of considerable interest. He suffered from periods of depression, referred to in his time as "melancholy." Johnson himself described these episodes in detail, noting their debilitating impact on his ability to work and socialize. Furthermore, he exhibited signs of what might now be recognized as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including an obsession with ritual and order, and a pervasive fear of insanity and death.

Impact on His Work

Johnson's health issues profoundly influenced his work and personal philosophy. His experience with illness and suffering informed his views on morality, religion, and the human condition, themes that recur in his essays, poetry, and other writings. His Dictionary of the English Language, for example, reflects his broad understanding of human nature, including the physical and mental afflictions that can beset it.

Later Life and Death

In his later years, Johnson's health continued to decline. He suffered from dropsy (edema) and worsening gout, which severely limited his mobility. Despite these challenges, he remained intellectually active, continuing to write and engage with the leading figures of his day until his death in 1784.

Legacy

The health of Samuel Johnson remains a topic of interest not only for its impact on his life and work but also for its insight into 18th-century medicine and attitudes toward illness and disability. Johnson's ability to overcome his health challenges and achieve literary greatness has served as an inspiration to many.