Scrofula
2 of the 7 encyclopedias on this shelf carry an entry for Scrofula. Both are reproduced below, so you can see where they agree and where they differ.
Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)
a tedious disease, tubercular in its nature, one of the most characteristic marks of which is a tendency to swelling of the glandular parts, which sometimes suppurate, and discharge a curdy, mixed matter, and are very difficult to heal. The persons in whom scrofulous disease is most apt to manifest itself are marked during childhood by pale and pasty complexions, large heads, narrow chests, protuberant bellies, soft and flabby muscles, and a languid and feeble circulation. It, however, often accompanies a variety of the sanguineous temperament also, and is indicated by light or red hair, gray or blue eyes, with large and sluggish pupils, and long, silky lashes, a fair, transparent brilliancy of skin, and rosy cheeks. This red color is, however, easily changed by cold to purple or livid, and the extremities are subject to chilblains. It is frequent, also, though less common, in what is called the melancholic or bilious temperament, i. e., in persons of dark, muddy complexion and harsh skin, in whom the mental and bodily energies are more sluggish and dull. It is one of those diseases that are in a very marked degree hereditary. Among the exciting causes are insufficient nutriment, exposure to wet and cold, impurity of the atmosphere, the want of natural exercise, and mental disquietude. very a marked influence upon it. A moist, cold, and variable climate is particularly favorable to its development, while on the other hand a hot or a very cold climate protects against it. It usually manifests itself in indolent glandular tumors, frequently in the neck, at first free from pain and inflammation, but proceeding slowly to an inflammatory state, and gradually and generally, after ulcer, which is a long time, forming an extremely difficult to heal. In some cases eyelids are the principal seat the eyes and of the disease, having constantly a very inflamed aspect. The bones of scrofulous persons are also liable to disease, especially those of the spine. The lungs are particularly liable to attack in such cases, rise the formation of tubercles giving to in that organ which is so marked a feature in phthisis.
Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)
a constitutional disorder thought, but not certainly, to be the result of bacterial invasion. Though associated with tuberculosis and often bringing it on, scrofula is not due to the bacillus of that disease. Scrofula may be inherited or it may be acquired. It is most apt to develop in young persons, particularly in the case of children insufficiently nourished or living in dark or damp, unsanitary quarters. Scrofula manifests itself in the inflammation of various joints and of parts of the mucous membrane, but more often in glandular swellings of the neck. These swellings are as irritating as a boil; in fact, the name scrofula means a little sow, the rooter, the digger, the scratcher. The swellings soften and break through the skin into running sores, followed, it may be, by unsightly scars. Sunshine, pure air, bathing in seawater, and wholesome food are corrective. Cod-liver oil is a remedy. Mineral waters containing iodine, iron, and phosphate of lime are considered beneficial. A person having a fair, thin, creamy skin is said to have a scrofulous complexion. Scrofula was known formerly as king's evil. The people of France and England brought their afflicted children to the king in the belief that a touch of the royal hand might cure the little sufferers. On Easter Sunday, 1686, Louis XIV is reported to have touched 1,600 persons, saying in French, "The king toucheth thee, may God cure thee." Even the parents of as noted a man as Dr. Samuel Johnson, the literary dictator of London, sought aid from the healing hand of Queen Anne in 1712. The queen not only touched the lad of thirty months, but, as was the custom, presented him a touch-piece. This particular coin, figured in Chambers's, has been kept as a relic.