Feature The Torrid Zone In the 18th century, Europeans in the tropics found themselves beset by an array of unpleasant afflictions. They blamed black women, the climate and the strength of their own masculinity. Suman Seth | Published in History Today Volume 69 Issue 11 November 2019 To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5. Start my trial subscription now If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems. AfricaMedicine & Disease Related Articles The End of Smallpox Mad Dogs and Englishmen Popular articles How Did the First World War Change the Arts? The Origins of the Shroud of Turin