We don't know. He seemed to have some real medical condition, which various people have attempted to retroactively diagnose in myriad ways (almost always, and ironically, ignoring the evolutionary fact that all the diseases of Darwin's time may not map perfectly well on to the diseases of today). One of Darwin's best biographers, Janet Browne, has, quite reasonably, suggested that Darwin would sometimes exploit his frequent bouts of "unwellenss" to keep at bay prospective visitors whom he did not really want to see.
If that counts as "hypochondira," so be it. Regards, Chris -- Christopher D. Green Department of Psychology York University Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 Canada 416-736-2100 ex. 66164 chri...@yorku.ca http://www.yorku.ca/christo/ ========================== michael sylvester wrote: > > > > > Having posed the question "was Darwin a hypochrondiac?" Paul Brandon > replied with a flat "NO",but provided no references to back up > his answer.However,a program on NPR aired last week claimed that > Darwin exaggerated his > symptoms which can viewed within the hypochrongiacal paradigm.His > illness may not > have been imaginary,but exaggerations and pre- > occupations with one's health status can be viewed as signs of > hypochrondiasis.Darwin apparently had a body image problem.His nose > was of discomfort to him.As a matter of fact he almost did not make > the trip on the HMS Beagle since the captain did not like his nose and > he was sickly looking. > Darwin was a vegetarian and this could have exaggerated his health > problems.People need meat for protein and muscle especially as one > ages.Beef is essential for overall health-beans and rice won't cut > it.So Darwin's health problems could have been self-imposed. > If we are to believe reports that he stuttered,this also suggest that > some psychological conflicts > was underlying his interpersonal communication.Since water treatments > were standard medical practice at that time I am curious if he was > water boarded. > > As usual I stand corrected. > > Michael "omnicentric" Sylvester,PhD > Daytona Beach,Florida > > > --- > > You are currently subscribed to tips as: chri...@yorku.ca > <mailto:chri...@yorku.ca>. > > To unsubscribe click here: > http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13132.a868d710aa4ef67a68807ce4fe8bd0da&n=T&l=tips&o=132 > > <http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13132.a868d710aa4ef67a68807ce4fe8bd0da&n=T&l=tips&o=132> > > (It may be necessary to cut and paste the above URL if the line is broken) > > or send a blank email to > leave-132-13132.a868d710aa4ef67a68807ce4fe8bd...@fsulist.frostburg.edu > <mailto:leave-132-13132.a868d710aa4ef67a68807ce4fe8bd...@fsulist.frostburg.edu> > --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: arch...@jab.org. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=135 or send a blank email to leave-135-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
