The Merry Miscarriages of Windsor

[Queequeg]

Just out of curiosity, is there any indication that Henry VIII had some kind of genetic condition?  It would seem that the number of miscarriages resulting from his various marriages would be pretty far outside of the ordinary even during this period.   Seems like more than bad luck.

Reading Wolf Hall. 

[PDH]

I don't think he had any miscarriages at all.  I believe his wives did.

[DGuller]

Some of his wives definitely failed to carry their heads to term.

[Jaron]

It is now believed Henry was Diabetic, and most Diabetics can't have sex.

[CountDeMoney]

It is now believed Henry was Diabetic, and most Diabetics can't have sex.

You hear that, Ide?  Take note.

[HVC]

at what stage does syphilis cause miscarriages? it could be that he was infecting all his wives.

[Valmy]

at what stage does syphilis cause miscarriages? it could be that he was infecting all his wives.

Syphilis?  I know he had gout pretty horribly but syphilis?

[Valmy]

It is now believed Henry was Diabetic, and most Diabetics can't have sex.

So where did Mary, Elizabeth, and Edward come from?  Or I guess you are referring to his later life impotence.  It could just be old age.

[Sheilbh]

It's a good book.  I recommend Mantel's 'A Place of Greater Safety' which is a similar style about Desmoulins, Danton and Robespierre

[Gups]

It's a good book.  I recommend Mantel's 'A Place of Greater Safety' which is a similar style about Desmoulins, Danton and Robespierre

Loved them both. Looking forward to reading the sequel to Wolf Hall.

[Valdemar]

As I heard it many historians/forensics suggest syphilis or something like it based on sympthoms and the lack of children, male children and the one sick heir.

That would also fit with the increasing signs of mental instability as age set in.

IIRC one of the syphilic sideeffects is a lower probability to beget especially male children, and those that survive birth often die early.

V

[Valmy]

As I heard it many historians/forensics suggest syphilis or something like it based on sympthoms and the lack of children, male children and the one sick heir.

That would also fit with the increasing signs of mental instability as age set in.

IIRC one of the syphilic sideeffects is a lower probability to beget especially male children, and those that survive birth often die early.

Meh Syphillis gets over used so I am always a bit skeptical about it.  Particularly with people who become unhinged.

[Valdemar]

Indeed, but the inability to carry male children, or low probability with high mortality, paired with the general degeneration of mental stability, sores on legs (also diabetic, I know) and a number of other sympthoms I do not know about makes it a likely case, if not an airtight one

V

[garbon]

Reading Wolf Hall. 

How do you like it? I was reading it for a bit, sat it down and never picked it up again.