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Some Observations upon Leprosy in Estonia and its Treatment¹

Even the most callous-minded must be moved by reading of mediaeval measures for the combating of leprosy. Men were powerless against this incurable disease which always ended in death. If anyone was declared by the physicians to be leprous, the clergy announced him as dead. The leper was brought to Church in special clothing, kneeling down he did penance and received forgiveness for his sins, and the ceremony in the Church was concluded by congregational prayers and the singing of funeral hymns. The patient then dressed himself in distinctive lepers' clothes with a red spot on the breast, was given a little bell in his hand, without which he dared not show himself in the street, and went in a funeral procession to the leper-house. At the door he knelt down and the priest scattered earth on his feet. From this moment on the leper was considered as dead and his possessions passed to his heirs.

¹ Read in German at Svenska Läkaresällskapet in Stockholm on September 11, 1928.