The gender (and racial) pain gap – it’s not new, but can we close it?  (Warning – skip the first few paragraphs if you have a weak stomach!)   In 1808 a physician called John Rutter gave a talk to colleagues in Liverpool about a case of Hysteralgia – or hysterical pain. The woman he was describing was known as J.S. She died in pain at the age of 78 and, at her request, an autopsy was performed. Rutter outlined her medical history as best he could. He described letters she’d written to her previous doctors since her mid 20’s…