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The King’s Evil: scrofula, physicians and the Royal Touch. The King’s evil, or scrofula, were the terms used in the past to designate what we now call tuberculous adenitis of the neck. Royalty, including the kings of France, possessed the gift of curing this malady by “Royal Touch”. What was the attitude of the physicians towards this miraculous power? There was at least official collusion between the physician and the magical powers of the sovereign. Both sides were well advised to show consideration for one another (Figure 1).