St. Vitus Dance, 1823

The dance of Saint Guy or St. Vitus Dance, a neurological disorder. In the 16th century, some Germans believed they would obtain good health for a year by dancing before statue of St. Vitus on feast day. This dancing became popular and the name Saint Vitus Dance was given to the neurological disorder Sydenham's chorea, a disease characterized by rapid, uncoordinated jerking movements affecting primarily the face, feet and hands. This condition is exhibited by the afflicted people in this image. Lithograph from C. Aubry's Album comique de pathologie pittoresque (Comical album of picturesque pathologies)

Restrictions Only for Ireland and United Kingdom

1823 Abnormal Aubry Disorder Epidemic Epileptic Mania Neurological Pathology Sydenham Vitus

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