Scrofula

(skrof'u-lah.) (L., literally, a little sow.] (Med.) A disease indicated by hard indolent tumors of the conglobate glands in various parts of the body, but particularly in the neck, behind the ears, and under the chin, which after a time suppurate and degenerate into ulcers. It was called by the Greeks Choiras, or swine's disease. It is not contagious, but hereditary; though, under favorable circumstances, it may be entirely dormant during a generation. It is more common among children of fair complexion, and inclined to rickets; and is favored by damp and variable climates. It first appears between the third and seventh years, and rarely shows itself after puberty. The vulgar English name, The King's Evil, is derived from the long-cherished belief that scrofulous tumors and absce es could be cured by the royal touch. Multitudes of patients were submitted to this treatment, and, as the old historians a ert, with perfect succe , from the time of Edward the Confe or to the reign of Queen Anne. [s. 807]