Arise Evans had a fungous nose, and said, it was revealed…
“Arise Evans had a fungous nose, and said, it was revealed to him, that the King's hand would cure him, and at the first coming of King Charles II into St. James's Park, he kissed the King's hand, and rubbed his nose with it; which disturbed the King, but cured him.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A bizarre anecdote illustrating belief in royal healing powers, where a man with a fungal infection seeks cure by touching the king's hand.
In simple terms: Superstitious reliance on monarchic touch for health.
Key Takeaway
Royal authority was thought to have literal healing properties.
Themes
Superstition
Power dynamics
Medical folklore
Historical belief
Royal symbolism
Mood
amused
intrigued
skeptical
Type
historical anecdote
folkloric tale
When to use this quote
- Victorian-era curiosity exhibits
- Historical reenactments
- Medical anthropology lectures
- Literary analysis of early modern texts
Key Concepts
Healing rituals
Monarchic authority
Folklore
Medical misconceptions
Practical Applications
- Study of historical medical beliefs
- Illustration of power symbolism in cultural narratives
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this tell us about the perceived power of rulers?
- How do such stories shape our understanding of historical health practices?
A Different Perspective
Modern medicine shows no physiological basis for such cures, making the story a cultural curiosity rather than a factual remedy.