How did Wolf Larsen die? (a shameless vanity)

www.freerepublic.com ^ | not sure | Jack London

[Hacksaw]

I'm sure someone here knows this. I've finally read "The Sea Wolf" (a great book, BTW) but was puzzled as to the cause of Larsen's sickness and eventual death. William Jose Farmer in his Riverworld series states that it was syphylis. Does anyone know for sure what London intended, or was it left to be unanswered?

[dighton]

How does London describe his symptoms?

[Hacksaw]

He got migraines, then later went blind and bedridden.

[dighton]

Not much to go on.

(Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, nor have I been diagnosed with the item under discussion).

A quick search shows headaches as consistent with secondary syphilis, but headaches are consistent with all kinds of things. Blindness is sometimes seen (sorry) in tertiary syphilis.

Before Larsen becomes bedridden, does anyone remark that the Cap’n walks strangely, say, with a “stamping gait”?

Pinging some whose general or medical knowledge might be helpful.

[Coyoteman]

William Jose Farmer

Philip Jose Farmer?

[Hacksaw]

Philip Jose Farmer?

Correct, Philip. William Farmer is an acquaintance (and not a Jose).

[neverdem]

Before Larsen becomes bedridden, does anyone remark that the Cap’n walks strangely, say, with a “stamping gait”?

Stamping gait is a symptom of neurosyphilis.

[neverdem]

Stamping gait is a symptom of neurosyphilis.

[dighton]

Right, and thank you for replying. My link in #4 goes to an article on that symptom, since I wondered if Jack London had shown Larsen exhibiting it.

[Hacksaw]

Right, and thank you for replying. My link in #4 goes to an article on that symptom, since I wondered if Jack London had shown Larsen exhibiting it.

So "the syph" is the verdict?

[Lost Dutchman]

(Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV, nor have I been diagnosed with the item under discussion) But I did spend last night at a Holiday Inn Express.