Journal of Vampirology - 1985 - Vol 2 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: JOURNAL OF VAMPIROLOGY
Issue: VOL. II, NO. 2
Date: 1985
Publisher: John L. Vellutini
Country: USA
Price: $2.00 per copy

This issue of the Journal of Vampirology marks the resumption of the "Epidemiology of Human Vampirism" series, featuring articles on allergies and pernicious anemia. The cover displays a stylized illustration of a figure resembling Vlad the Impaler, a common association with vampirism.

Editorial

The editorial section welcomes readers back to the Journal and introduces the main articles. The editor expresses a critical view of medical theories attempting to explain vampirism, suggesting they often originate from popular fiction and horror films rather than rigorous research. A specific critique is leveled against Dr. McDevitt's theory that Vlad Tepes suffered from allergies, pointing out historical inaccuracies and confusion between the historical figure and Bram Stoker's fictional Count Dracula. The editor also briefly mentions the possibility of extraterrestrial origins of vampirism and potential links to "Men in Black" from UFOology, promising further discussion in future issues. The editor also apologizes for a misspelling of Rebecca White's name in the previous issue and acknowledges her contributions as a fantasy illustrator. A list of pending articles is provided, including topics like "Vampirism and the Black Arts," "John George Haigh: Hemocidal Maniac or Pathological Liar?", and "Do Vampires Have Bowel Movements?"

Contents

• Editorial (Page 1)
• The Epidemiology of Human Vampirism: Allergies (Pages 2-8)
• The Epidemiology of Human Vampirism: Pernicious Anemia (Pages 9-13)
• News Bulletin (Page 14)

The Epidemiology of Human Vampirism: Allergies (Pages 2-8)

This extensive article explores the hypothesis that vampiric traits and behaviors might be explained by allergic reactions and psychosomatic responses. It begins by detailing Dr. Thomas McDevitt's 1982 theory that Vlad Tepes, the basis for Bram Stoker's Dracula, may have been an allergy sufferer. McDevitt's theory suggests that an addiction to substances like blood, which also aggravate symptoms, could lead to cravings and "bizarre and greatly agitated" behavior when deprived. The article notes that portraits of Vlad show characteristics of an allergy victim, such as a sallow complexion and dark circles under the eyes, and that Stoker's description of Dracula's physical traits might reflect difficulty breathing through a stuffy nose. McDevitt also proposed that Vlad's alleged preference for sleeping during the day and roaming at night could be linked to allergies causing fatigue, and that his crypt-like sleeping environment might be due to a mold allergy.

The author of the article, however, expresses skepticism regarding McDevitt's theory, stating there is no historical evidence that Vlad Tepes drank blood. Medieval chroniclers, who meticulously documented his violence, are silent on this matter, unlike the well-documented hemocidal practices of Gilles de Rais and Countess Erzebet Bathory. The article suggests Vlad's portraits might depict tuberculosis or physical exhaustion from his constant campaigning and threats of assassination.

The article then delves into the nature of allergic reactions, explaining them as immunological over-reactions to external toxins. It posits that fear and anxiety, particularly in superstitious communities, could trigger or exacerbate allergic reactions, leading to symptoms like breathlessness, chest constriction, and even anaphylactic shock and death. This, in turn, could fuel the belief in vampirism, creating a cycle of fear and perceived attacks. Several historical accounts from regions like Dolj, Romania, and Placedale, Rhode Island, are cited, describing families where members died in succession, attributed to vampiric influence.

Further connections are drawn between vampiric attack symptoms and allergic responses. The "oppression" and "agonizing sense" described by victims of "vyrkolakes" (Greek vampires) are compared to the physical sensations of an allergic reaction. The article references Charles Ferdinand de Schertz's account of a herdsman-vampire who appeared to people after death, causing them to expire within days, and notes that Jack the Ripper's victims were first strangled, then had their throats cut, possibly linking to suffocation symptoms.

The article also discusses "nightmare death," a syndrome common in Southeast Asia, and its potential connection to vampirism. It explores the possibility that vampires might inject local anesthetics or neurotoxins into their victims, similar to vampire bats and venomous snakes, to facilitate blood extraction without immediate detection or resistance. The ruddy complexion of Slavic vampires is suggested to be a symptom of dermatitis from blood consumption, and the "swimming" in blood found on some corpses might be expelled vomitus, indicating the body's rejection of the consumed substance. The bloated appearance of Greek vampires is linked to angioedema, a severe allergic reaction causing swelling.

Mood disturbances, such as "emotional immaturity reactions" and "antisocial behavior," are also discussed as potential symptoms linked to allergies or underlying conditions. The article suggests that these behaviors, often associated with individuals believed to become vampires, might be partly due to allergy-induced mood disorders. It also touches upon the link between schizophrenia and allergies, citing studies that indicate a genetic connection between schizophrenia and celiac disease, which involves intolerance to gluten, a potent allergen.

Finally, the article proposes that Vlad Tepes might have had an "allergic" reaction to cereal glutens due to a deficiency in enzymes, which could have contributed to his mental instability and paranoid schizophrenic tendencies. This explanation is presented as a simpler, more convincing alternative to sensationalistic theories.

However, the article concludes that allergies and allergenic reactions cannot fully explain the supernatural qualities attributed to vampires, such as transcendence of death, transformation into animals, and fear of holy objects. It suggests that many of these inexplicable abilities might be later accretions to folklore or lack a basis in reality. The article references various sources and previous publications, including the "Vampire Information Exchange Newsletter."

The Epidemiology of Human Vampirism: Pernicious Anemia (Pages 9-13)

This section is not present in the provided OCR text. The page numbers suggest it should follow the article on allergies.

News Bulletin (Page 14)

This section is not present in the provided OCR text.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of rationalistic and medical explanations for phenomena traditionally attributed to vampirism. The editorial stance is critical of unsubstantiated theories, particularly those that conflate historical figures with fictional characters or rely heavily on popular culture. The journal appears to favor a skeptical, evidence-based approach, even while exploring fringe theories. The editor emphasizes the importance of rigorous research and distinguishes between historical fact and fictional embellishment. The issue also highlights the journal's commitment to investigating the "epidemiology" of vampirism from various angles, including medical, psychological, and folkloric perspectives, while maintaining a critical distance from purely supernatural explanations.

This issue of a publication, identified by its page numbering and content, focuses on the historical and medical aspects of human vampirism, with a particular emphasis on its potential links to pernicious anemia. The content spans historical medical descriptions, anecdotal accounts, and theoretical connections between disease and folklore. A separate news bulletin addresses the 'Pharaoh's Curse' of Tutankhamun's tomb.

Pernicious Anemia and its Historical Context

The article begins by defining pernicious anemia as a nutritional disease stemming from the body's inability to absorb vitamin B12, often due to a lack of 'intrinsic factor' produced by the stomach. It cites Thomas Addison's 1855 description of the disease, detailing symptoms such as pallor, flabbiness, fatigue, glossitis (inflamed tongue), and neurological issues, including weakness, numbness, and in rare cases, 'megaloblastic madness.' Historically, the disease was fatal until the development of liver therapy in the 1920s and the isolation of B12 in the 1940s. Modern treatment involves periodic B12 injections.

The Link to Vampirism: Seabrook's Account

The first specific mention of pernicious anemia being linked to vampirism is attributed to William Seabrook's 1940 book, 'Witchcraft: Its Power in the World Today.' Seabrook recounts an incident on the French Riviera where a female acquaintance, who believed herself to be a vampire, bit him and drank his blood. This woman was later diagnosed with pernicious anemia, and her 'hemophilism' was considered a symptom of the disease. Seabrook suggests that the physiological maladjustment of pernicious anemia could underlie such psychological aberrations and cravings.

Stephen Kaplan's Theory

Dr. Stephen Kaplan, in his book 'Vampires Are' (1984), also discusses the connection. He notes that sufferers of pernicious anemia can have a pale complexion, be sensitive to bright light, have a sore tongue, and exhibit dark circles under their eyes. Kaplan posits that before the advent of modern medicine, these symptoms, combined with a potential craving for raw liver (a source of B12), could have led people to believe they were vampires, especially if they avoided sunlight and were irritable.

Pokrovsky's Case Study

A case recounted by Captain Pokrovsky is presented as a possible instance of pernicious anemia being mistaken for vampirism. A man who married a second wife began to fail in health, appearing pale and listless, with villagers attributing his condition to a vampire. Despite a doctor's examination finding no significant blood loss from a wound, the man died. The article notes that his symptoms, including a small puncture wound on the neck, align with pernicious anemia, though the examining physician dismissed anemia as a cause at the time. The author suggests the wound might be self-inflicted or psychogenic.

Medical and Folklore Considerations

The article acknowledges that while the pernicious anemia theory has shortcomings, it attempts to rationalize vampiric phenomena. It contrasts the symptoms of pernicious anemia with traditional vampire lore, noting that the disease doesn't fully explain the concept of a resuscitated corpse. The author expresses skepticism about a direct link, except for Seabrook's example, and argues that a person with pernicious anemia would likely lack the strength for traditional vampiric attacks. The theory of 'cannibalistic' or 'necrophagous' vampires is also explored, linking cravings for meat to the disease.

Chlorosis and Other Medical Links

The issue touches upon chlorosis, an anemia affecting pubescent girls, characterized by a greenish-yellow complexion, and notes its occasional association with folklore about vampires, particularly in Chinese traditions. The article also briefly mentions the possibility of 'grave mold' contributing to the greenish hue of bodies after death.

News Bulletin: Tutankhamun's Curse

A separate news bulletin reports on a French physician's theory regarding the deaths associated with the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. Dr. Caroline Stenger-Philippe suggests that at least six deaths were directly linked to an allergic reaction to mold within the tomb, causing allergic alveolitis and pulmonary insufficiency. This theory dismisses other explanations like deadly rays or bacteria.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the exploration of medical conditions, particularly pernicious anemia, as potential explanations for folklore surrounding vampirism and other supernatural phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational, scientific explanations for historical beliefs and accounts, while acknowledging the limitations of these theories in fully encompassing the traditional aspects of folklore, such as the undead nature of vampires. The article aims to bridge the gap between clinical medicine and historical myth.