Ch2olera: Hamilton's Forgotten Epidemics

Abstract

<p>Cholera is an ancient disease that has been feared for centuries. It often appears suddenly, seems to spread rapidly and inexplicably and, in the absence of effective treatment, kills quite violently. It has had many nicknames, including “King Cholera” and “the blue death" (due to the bluish pallor of its victims). Although it is still very much present in the world today, cholera remains the quintessential disease of 19th-century cities, the disease that drove improvements in water sources, sewer construction, and public health in Europe and North America. This book is about Hamilton's cholera epidemics in 1832 and 1854, outbreaks that place the city within the sphere of recurring global pandemics and make it a fascinating example of how communities cope with a new disease of unknown cause.</p>