For much of his adult life, Charles Darwin's health was repeatedly compromised by an uncommon combination of symptoms, leaving him severely debilitated for long periods of time. However, Darwin himself suggested that, in some ways, this may have helped his work: "Even ill-health, though it has annihilated several years of my life, has saved me from the distractions of society and amusement."[1]
Darwin consulted numerous doctors, but, with the medical science of the time, the cause remained undiagnosed. He tried all available treatments, but these had at best only temporary success. More recently, there has been much speculation as to the nature of his illness.
It has been suggested that exhuming Darwin's remains could clarify the nature of his health issues.[2]
- ^ Barlow 1958, p. 144
- ^ Botto-Mahan, Carezza; Medel, Rodrigo (24 March 2022). "Was Chagas disease responsible for Darwin's illness? The overlooked eco-epidemiological context in Chile". Revista Chilena de Historia Natural. 94. doi:10.1186/s40693-021-00104-4. Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.