Question

How was syphilis treated on the Lewis and Clark expedition? How do we know this?

Answer 1

Hint: The expectation of Lewis and Clark began in 1804 when President Thomas Jefferson tasked Louis with exploring the lands west of the Mississippi river that comprised Louisiana Purchase. On his expedition he chose William Clark as his co-leader.

Complete answer: Lewis and Clark during their expedition faced an enemy which was more dreaded than other diseases known as Louis Veneri or syphilis. Lewis and Clark knew about the disease and anticipated that this might be a problem on the upper Missouri river. They packed the medicine and several drugs such as Mercury-laden calomel, mercury ointment and copaiba to help combat syphilis and other diseases during their journey. Syphilis is caused by a variety of bacteria which enters the body during sexual intercourse and infects the blood or lymph system. Men and women who contracted syphilis often had pox on the skin and were said to be poxed. In the corps of discovery the preferred treatment for the disease was Mercury as it was toxic to the bacterial organisms and can be moderately effective in treating syphilis. Men during the journey who complained about having syphilis, Lewis and Clark used Mercury ointments and applied them for several weeks until the patient began to salivate. There are many historical sources which help us know about the Lewis and Clark expedition and how syphilis was treated. One among was the book by Lewis and Clark, 'The journals of Lewis and Clark'. Later other books were also written which narrates about the expedition.

Note: The main mission of the Lewis and Clark expedition was to explore the unknown territory and establishment trade with the natives. One of the goals was to find the waterway from the United States to the Pacific Ocean. The corps of discovery was commanded by Lewis and Clark which consisted of 33 people, one Indian woman and slave.