History of Syphilis

"History of Syphilis" aims to present a comprehensive history of the origin, nature and treatment of venereal disease. Since the appearance of syphilis in Europe at the end of the 15th century to the current debates on AIDS, venereal disease has always been a topic of research and controversy. Quetel presents an analysis of the origins and treatments of syphilis over the centuries, focusing on the controls over sexual behaviour which were justified by the need to curb the spread of the disease. The author also investigates the cultural dimensions of the problem including the very different social attitudes created by contemporary propaganda and the literary connotations which grew up around such images as the syphilitic genius. He discussed historical accounts of the spread of venereal disease and draws parallels with the current medical and social campaigns against AIDS.