King's evil

King's Evil is a historical term referring to scrofula, a form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes in the neck. The name "King's Evil" was derived from the popular belief that the disease could be cured by the touch of a monarch. This belief was prevalent in England and France from the 11th to the 18th century.

History

The practice of "touching for the King's Evil" began in England with King Edward the Confessor and in France with King Philip I. It was believed that the king, as God's representative on earth, had the divine power to heal diseases. The ceremony usually involved the monarch touching the affected person, often with a gold coin, which was then given to the person as a memento.

The practice continued in England until the early 18th century, with the last English monarch to touch for the King's Evil being Queen Anne. In France, the practice ended with Louis XV.

Medical Perspective

From a medical perspective, scrofula is a form of tuberculosis that affects the lymph nodes in the neck. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease is characterized by the development of painless swellings in the neck, which can eventually burst to form open sores.

Treatment for scrofula today involves a course of antibiotics to kill the tuberculosis bacteria. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected lymph nodes.

Cultural Impact

The belief in the healing power of the monarch had a significant cultural impact. It reinforced the divine right of kings, suggesting that the monarch had a special relationship with God. The practice also served to strengthen the bond between the monarch and their subjects, as it was an opportunity for the king or queen to interact directly with the people.

See Also

• Scrofula
• Tuberculosis
• Divine right of kings
• Edward the Confessor
• Philip I of France
• Queen Anne
• Louis XV