The disease of leprosy was believed to be highly infectious, with symptoms including sores, ulcers, erosion of the bones and loss of sensation at the nerve endings. As a consequence, sufferers were often reviled by society and isolated from their communities. To warn people of their approach, lepers wore distinctive clothing and were forced to carry a rattle, known as a clapper. The example shown probably dates from the 17th century, when leprosy was becoming increasingly scarce in Britain.

Picture Reference: 10320265
Subject: MEDICINE & HEALTH > Public Health & Hygiene > Diseases, Leprosy
Inventory No.: A635022
Credit: Science Museum

Keywords: 17th Century, Clappers, Disease, Diseases, Leprosy, Europe, Health, Lepers, Leprosy, Medicine, Medication, Mercantile Age, Outcasts, Pharmacology, Rattles, Sound, Uk, United Kingdom, Warning

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