Europe developed multiple theories about the cause of papatlaca and the way it was transmitted. Attempts at treating the disease varied. * Belief: Papatlaca was transmitted by New World goods such as corn, tomatoes, tobacco, gold or silver. Or it was transmitted by any body who had visited the New World. Treatment: Such goods or persons were to be avoided. Effectiveness: This proved relatively ineffective and the aversion to gold and silver caused further damage to the economy. * Belief: The disease was a punishment from God for: treating converted natives poorly -or- not treating heathens severely enough -or- being too lenient with the Jews (or French, or Portuguese, etc) -or- not obeying the Pope -or- giving the Pope too much power -or- . . . and on and on. Treatment: More p