Alleged Causes of the “Flu.” It has been attributed to numerous and varied agencies in the past. Philosophers, physicians and the people believed the disease to be due to supernatural phenomena.
Some of the causes given were in the main fanciful, freakish and imaginary, the delusions of minds filled with wonder or fear, and illusions of the senses, such as:
Comets, earthquakes, volcanoes and cosmic dust caused by the rising and setting of the sun.
A.D. 1411 Diabolical pollution of the air with pestilential vapors arising from the air and ground; these caused bleedings from the mouth, nose and bowels, and in women caused abortions. 〃 1580 Bad conduct of Sirius the dog star, caused by anger. 〃 1658 Blast from the stars. 〃 1742 Malign influence (Influenza) of the stars, etc., etc.
NAMES GIVEN TO INFLUENZA: TRANSLATED.
| Date of Epidemic. | Name. | Language. |
|---|---|---|
| A.D. | ||
| 827 | Se Wulf | Saxon |
| 827 | Heafd Flowan | Anglo-Saxon |
| 876 | Italiae Febris | Latin |
| 1411 | Le Tac | French |
| 1414 | Le Horion | French |
| 1427 | Ladendo | Italian |
| 1510 | Cephale Catarrhale | French |
| 1510 | Coqueluche | French |
| 1510 | Coccoluche | Anglo-French |
| 1742 | Influente | Italian |
| 1742 | La Grippe | French |
| 1781 | Catarro Russo | Italian |
Se Wulf. Se (the), Wulf, wolf. Probably so named from the cough of the Flu victim resembling the growl of the wolf; or from the sudden seizure by the outlaw wolf of its victim.
Heafd Flowan. Heafd, head; Flowan, to flow; hence Head Catarrh.
Italiae Febris. Fever of Italy.
Le Tac. The Rot; slow recovery, persistent cough, like T.B.