Disease of Virgins: Green Sickness, Chlorosis and the Problems of Puberty by Helen King (original) (raw)

The paper discusses the historical context and symptomatology of a condition known as 'green sickness' or chlorosis, particularly in relation to young women and its cultural implications from the sixteenth to the mid-twentieth century. The author, Helen King, examines the continuity of symptoms associated with this condition, including amenorrhea and pica, emphasizing it was perceived as a 'disease of virgins' often linked to sexual inactivity. By analyzing the multifaceted meanings of 'green' in historical texts, King highlights various interpretations tied to youth, sexuality, and social dynamics, broadening the understanding of this malady and its relevance in the discourse of women's health and sexuality.