It would seem to be of the greatest importance to find ways and means for arresting this dread disease, which is spreading more and more on account of modern social conditions, and also to diminish the danger of contagion for the individual. In this respect, general public provisions and personal precautions must be differentiated between. The fundamental features of a sensible campaign against syphilis (as against other sexual diseases) can only be briefly outlined in this article. The main thing would seem to be to make an end to all hypocrisy and prudery, and to judge things as they are.
In this place it is necessary to regard sexual diseases, like all other con tagious diseases, entirely from the standpoint of health. To consider them only from a pseudo-moral standpoint would he narrow-minded and foolish, since it is contrary to all scientific facts to regard venereal disease as the natural punishment for sexual excesses. The public at large would have a better knowledge of the bearing of syphilis upon certain diseases if there were a general public explanation of this matter. Only then will it be possible to properly teach and equip the young people about to enter upon life's path ; and only then will there be a realisation of the neces sity for timely and thorough treatment, and for the hygienic regulation of prostitution.
Personal chastity is, of course, infallible. If this ideal cannot be reached, individual precaution will profit greatly by a better and more widespread understanding of the conditions.
The treatment of syphilis should be begun as early as possible. Great stress should be laid on the decided advantages derived from mercurial treatment, in spite of much prejudice on the part of the layman. It is true that this treatment (whether given by inunction, by injections, or internally) necessitates careful medical supervision, in order to prevent the appearance of certain unpleasant symptoms. But when this precaution is taken, the treatment is perfectly harmless ; and it is absolutely indispensable for the disease in question.
Other remedies and methods (such as iodides, bath treatments, etc.) are undoubtedly helpful, but by no means adequate. All qualified investigators of this subject are agreed that mercury is the only positive and reliable emedy in the treatment of syphilis. The disease in question being an extremely insidious one, it is necessary to repeat the treat ment at certain given intervals. Experience teaches that in the majority of cases it is necessary to give 4 or 5 energetic treatments, covering a period of 2 to years. Some observers recommend a renewed treatment after each relapse or recrudescence. It will always be best for the patient to allow the attending physician to determine the period as well as the mode of treatment, as each case is a law unto itself. In every form of mercury
treatment, the patient must carry out certain general directions, in order to avoid unpleasant complications which would interfere with a thorough treatment. The care of the mouth and teeth is of great importance. The mouth should be washed several times a day and gargled with some anti septic solution ; the teeth and gums should be brushed with good tooth powder, if possible, after each meal ; and whenever necessary the teeth should be examined and treated by a dentist. Alcohol should be prohibited during the treatment. Food which is acid, irritating, or indigestible must be avoided. The diet should consist of strengthening and easily digestible things. A healthful, sober way of living, plenty of sleep, moderate exercise in the fresh air, and good nourishment, are of the greatest importance in conjunction with a properly managed course of mercury treatment.
With regard to marriage, it may be said that a person who has had syphilis ought not to marry without first consulting a physician. The transmission of syphilitic infection from husband to wife occurs very frequently, even in cases where the former had reason to consider himself cured. The dangers attendant on infection of the wife (miscarriages, premature births, sick children) necessitate the greatest precaution in this respect. In most cases a person who has suffered from syphilis might be allowed to marry after having undergone a sufficiently long treatment, and if, during an interval of two years (during which time the patient is under observation), there are no further symptoms of the disease.
The fact should be emphasised that syphilis is a disease which in most cases, if thoroughly and properly treated, can be permanently cured. In fection by contact or association is not probable after a certain period ; and although there is no absolute guarantee against the possibility of subsequent syphilitic troubles, still, if the first treatment was thorough, it is very probable that this will not be the case. Only the physician can arrive at a decision in each individual case ; but there are numerous examples of persons Who, after having been thoroughly treated for syphilis, have married, and whose wives and children have remained perfectly healthy. Independently of the effect of treatment, experience shows that only a minority of syphilitic persons suffer from the secondary symptoms of the disease. After careful consideration of these conditions, the pessimistic opinion of some persons who regard syphilis as an incurable disease is without justification.