09/15 Virgin Soil Epidemics Disease Before Columbus Disease-free paradise vs. evidence of infectious diseases Encounter and Devastation Hispaniola: Las Casas Tenochtitlan & Broken Spears: from 25,000,000 to 1,000,000 Quebec Roanoke New England: 1616-1619, 1633-1634 Overall, 90% decline in first century after contact Epidemics and demoralization? Impact on Europeans: corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and tobacco… How Many Died? Historical records Archeological evidence Ecological theories Epidemiological extrapolations Why Did They Die? Evidence of infections Why were Indians susceptible? Natural selection and virgin soil theory Role of malnutrition Contingency and social causation Health Disparities Today: Biological and Social Explanations