LAUSR

This article studies the population that was treated at Guadalajara’s Hospital Real de San Miguel for sexually transmitted disease (syphilis) between the years of 1811 and 1823, analyzing the hospital space, the organization of its wings and the impact of the presence of syphilitics. This disease was the most common among inpatients, representing a total of 25% of the total cases during the period under examination. It recovers the names given to the disease, as well as the identities of its victims, which included men, women, children and Spanish soldiers. This public health problem, which was rarely fatal, is seen in terms of the broader social context of the endemic and epidemic health crises that arose in the city during the War of Independence. This study is based on the study and systematization of hospital records, particularly the books containing intake and discharge lists. Among other information, this source provides the name of the wing in which the patient was treated and the name of the disease. This has revealed that there was a serious public health problem that arose from the cultural norms and sexual practices of early 19th Century Guadalajara residents. By analyzing the site layout, we can explain the criteria that determined the organization and functioning of the Hospital Real de San Miguel.