Sooterkin

A sooterkin was a term used in 17th and 18th century England, particularly by medical writers and ordinary folk, to describe a supposed small, dark-skinned child allegedly born to Dutch women, often attributed to their excessive use of braziers and stoves for warmth. It was thought that the heat altered the womb and its contents, leading to the birth of these diminutive beings.

The concept of the sooterkin is now considered a historical curiosity, revealing much about xenophobia and the rudimentary state of medical understanding at the time. It's essentially a myth rooted in prejudice against the Dutch, fueled by their perceived habit of keeping warm interiors. The term itself is considered derogatory.

The belief in sooterkins was a manifestation of cultural anxieties and a lack of scientific understanding of embryology and genetics. It's a stark reminder of how misinformation and prejudice can shape perceptions and propagate harmful stereotypes.