I have found an unusual cause of death while researching in MA. Does anyone know what the term, "throat canker," was? I take it, it was also contagious. Thanks. kathy

Hi Kathy, Here's a link to a helpful site called "Archaic Medical Terms." http://www.paul_smith.doctors.org.uk/ArchaicMedicalTerms.htm Under "canker": Any skin ulcer or sore but as the derivation of the word is the same as that for cancer it may suggest skin cancer Under "Throat Fever": Probably diphtheria Good luck! ~Colleen