Historical Studies (Chinese Edition)

No.5, 2013

 

Rousseau’s Illnesses: A Comprehensive Explanation from the Medical and Historical Perspectives                                       

(Abstract)

 

Xu Qianjin

 

How are we to understand Rousseau's ailments? In the philosophical, religious and intellectual literature on the subject, Rousseau's thought is independent of his physical and mental illnesses; while from the point view of medical research, illness has nothing to do with thought. But according to historical descriptions and narratives concerning his ailments, and taking into account research on French medical history, it is evident that Rousseau was troubled by acute intermittent porphyria, with the symptoms of abdominal disturbances (gastric distention, stomach ache), nervous symptoms (tinnitus, convulsions) and mental problems (depression, delusions).  Doctors in the 18^th century could not diagnose these correctly, so that Rousseau's recurrent attacks of sickness were misunderstood. After the publication of Emile, his ideas on religion were censured by the Roman Catholic Church and he fell on hard times, wandering from place to place, which brought about delusions of persecution. The change in Rousseau's style from enlightenment to romantic and his ever-changing historical image is related to his physical and mental illnesses.