The latest research findings as well as an analysis of historical prescriptions show for the first time ever how such highly contagious diseases as syphilis, gonorrhoea and tuberculosis were treated in the 19th cen tury. They affected the Viennese imperial household to the same extent as the emergent bourgeoisie, the common soldier and the prostitute. While the members of the Viennese court had access to more exclusive treatments involving medication that contained morphine, cocaine and cannabis, the lower orders usually had to make do with remedies devised by quacks who placed discreet adverts in newspapers. Thus prudery and a misplaced sense of shame assisted the promotion of dubious cures.
- A revealing report on „Secret Diseases”.
- A fascinating new perspective on social history
- Extraordinary insights into the remedies and medicines used in the 19th century
Sabine Fellner PhD, studied history and history of art in Vienna and Paris. From 1999 to 2003 she was the curator of the Austrian tobacco museum where she was involved in devising a new concept for it. She has been the curator of the Austria Tabak art collection since 2003. Kathrin Unterreiner PhD, also studied art history and history at Vienna University. From 2000 to 2007 she was academic director of the Hofburg imperial apartments and curator of the Sisi museum. She has written publications on the Vienna Hofburg and everyday culture in the Viennese court.