Dracula's tears of blood: a scientific phenomenon?
According to 'Sciences et Vie' magazine, a team of Italian researchers have come to the conclusion that Count Vlad 'the Impaler', associated with the legend of the mythical vampire Dracula, wept tears of blood.
The name Vlad 'the Impaler' has long been associated with the legend of the mythical vampire Dracula, the inspiration for Bram Stocker's novel. The reputation of this prince of Wallachia (in present-day Romania) is largely attributed to his nickname and cruel reputation.
The aim of the Italian scientists was “to explore the environmental conditions of Wallachia in the second half of the 15th century”. To this end, they chemically analyzed three documents written and signed by Count Vlad 'the Impaler'.
The results were surprising. Vincenzo Cunsolo, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Catania, explains: “On one of the letters, written in 1475, retinal proteins and tears characteristic of hemolacria were found. The Count must therefore have been crying tears of blood.”
Hemolacria is characterized in particular by tears of blood. This rare disease produces tears tinged with blood or partially made up of blood. Extremely rare, this disease affects both men and women. To date, very few people are known to suffer from it.
Did Dracula suffer from a genetic disease? Perhaps. In any case, he showed many of the symptoms.
(MH with JAG - Sources : Sciences & Vie - Picture : Pixabay)
