The
Vapors is an old term for hypochondriasis or hysterical depression (from Dorland’s
Illustrated Medical Dictionary 27th edition)A: "Hi! I arrived at your website looking for a definition of a term used in this era. The term is "the Vapors". I have heard a multitude of meanings and I hold firm to the definition that the vapors is flatulence. Can you either affirm I am correct or correct me if I am wrong?"
Vera: I went to the Chico State Library and looked up the vapors in the medical reference books. These three definitions are the most clearly stated. The idea that the vapors means flatulence no doubt comes from the definition listed below as "a." but I do not think that is how it is meant to be read.
Exhalation within an organ sounds more like bloating to me. If you add that to the idea of “affects the mental condition” and the idea of “nervous disorder and depression” you have something that sounds alot like pre-menstrual syndrome. That's just my opinion.
The
Vapors is an old term for hypochondriasis or hysterical depression (from Dorland’s
Illustrated Medical Dictionary 27th edition)
These descriptions are from Stedman’s Medical Dictionary published by American Heritage:
a. Exhalations within an organ, especially the stomach, supposed to affect the mental or physical condition. No longer in technical use
b. A nervous disorder such as depression or hysteria. No longer in technical use
The descriptions below are from Webster's Medical Desk Dictionary:
a. Exhalations within an organ, as the stomach formerly held to affect the physical or mental condition. No longer in use
b. A depression or hysterical nervous condition. No longer in use
Fannie: I doubt that "the vapors" means flatulence. The medical books of the era all call flatulence just that--flatulence.
In addition to considering the medical descriptions listed above, a review of period literature only mentions FEMALE persons as having an attack of the vapors. Since female disorders of any kind were never discussed, this helps to add weight to the assumption that the vapors refers to PMS or a menopausal condition.
There are a few web sites that offer information on outdated or archaic medical terms:
*note: none of the above sites have any info on vapors!
And, just because you brought up the F word, some information on flatulence...
This may not completely clear the air for you, "A", butt we tried our best...
