What Disease Did Jack London Have?

By Michael Ferguson

Jack London, the famous American author, is known for his classic works such as “The Call of the Wild” and “White Fang.” However, not many people are aware of the disease that plagued him for much of his life. In this article, we will explore what disease Jack London had and how it impacted his life and work.

The Beginning

Jack London was born on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco. He grew up in poverty and had to work various odd jobs to support his family from a young age. Despite this difficult upbringing, he was a bright and talented individual who loved reading and writing.

The Symptoms

In 1894, when Jack was just 18 years old, he started experiencing symptoms that would trouble him for the rest of his life. He began to feel intense fatigue and pain in his joints, which made it difficult for him to move around comfortably. He also suffered from severe headaches and digestive problems.

The Diagnosis

After several visits to doctors, Jack was finally diagnosed with scurvy – a disease caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C. This was an unusual diagnosis for someone living in San Francisco in the late 19th century since scurvy was mainly associated with sailors on long voyages who did not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Treatment

To treat his scurvy, Jack was put on a strict diet of fresh fruits and vegetables. He also took supplements containing Vitamin C. However, despite these efforts, he continued to suffer from symptoms that were not typical of scurvy.

A New Diagnosis

In 1897, after Jack returned from the Klondike Gold Rush where he had worked as a prospector for several months, he experienced severe pain in his abdomen. Further medical tests revealed that he had an inflamed appendix, which had to be removed immediately.

The Final Diagnosis

Several years later, in 1905, Jack was diagnosed with uremia – a condition caused by the buildup of toxins in the body due to kidney failure. This diagnosis explained many of his symptoms and helped him receive more appropriate treatment.

The Impact

Jack London’s health problems impacted his life and work significantly. He had to take frequent breaks from writing due to his illness. Despite this, he managed to write some of his best works during this period, including “The Call of the Wild” and “White Fang.”

The Legacy

Jack London passed away on November 22, 1916, at just 40 years old. He left behind a legacy of powerful and evocative literature that continues to be read and appreciated today.

  • In Conclusion,
  • While Jack London’s illness remains a mystery in many ways, it is clear that it was a significant factor in his life and work. His perseverance in the face of such adversity is truly admirable.