Did Florence Nightengale die From syphilis?

Senior Moments

No, there is no possibility at all that she had syphilis. Her life is extremely well-documented and the symptoms of syphilis are not compatible with what we know about her. But this rumour about syphilis is quite common. Apparently it was publicised by a priest who was opposing a church proposal to commemmorate her. He said she was an atheist who died of syphilis, and this was widely published in the press and resulted in the proposal being dropped. Oct 15 01, 4:23 PM

terryproantrim

Highly unlikely. She was 90 years of age when she died in 1910, having been the first female selected to join the Order of Merit three years earlier. In view of the standards required to get that honour, I couldn't see her having syphilis. Oct 15 01, 6:53 PM