June 13, 1897
Los Angeles Herald writes:
"The physicians found that the first known case of the mania developed last January. The wheels that the different persons rode who were afflicted in the fashion described were carefully examined to see if it was the result of the manner of building a certain make of bicycle.
It was shown that the wheels were in almost every instance English or American, American predominating.
The saddles were in every instance found to be properly adjusted, and although the investigation was minute no sign could be discovered which would indicate the slightest peculiarity of the bicycle.
That it was cycling that brought the mania on there seems no question. Only wheelwomen have been afflicted with it, and oddly enough, in every instance, they have been over 30 years of age.
The other theory advanced as to the cause which has been seriously considered is that it is the result of the effect upon the nervous system of the intense exhilaration rapid riding brings about.
French wheelwomen ride at a high pace. They are all embryo scorchers, much more so than their sisters in other countries. This being the case, it is suggested that the practice of scorching by women is likely to bring about a new form of insanity corresponding to that which afflicts the unfortunate French women."
Posted by mlg1981