Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society cover image

Syphilis

Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society

00:00

What Was the Early Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections?

In the 19th century, people started to blame sex workers for syphilis. The stigma was enshrined in law with the Categis Disease Act of 1860. Early treatments included mercury pills and fumigation. But did it do something that looked like it was helping? Did it relieve symptoms? Or was it all ridiculous?

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