The history of syphilis indicates that in the 17th century syphilis was the most devastating illness. This disease first affected Europe in the year 1493. The outbreak of this illness can be traced to the return of Columbus from New World and it was the sailors who brought back this dreaded illness. This theory was contended through many sources.

It was only in the 19th century that the French scientist Phillipe Ricord made the discovery of syphilis being different from gonorrhoea while he was examining the chancres observed in syphilis. History of syphilis suggests that he also discovered that the disease has three stages. In Ricord’s research antibiotics were determined to be useful in treating this infection.

The work of Dr Ehrlich helped uncover the use of antibiotics like penicillin. The history of syphilis identified the three stages of this condition. The primary stage begins with a chancre or lesion that is observed in the area of infection that may include the vagina, penis, lips or mouth. The condition is transmitted when direct sexual contact with infectious lesions occur.

In the second stage a rash in the form of small brown sores is observed in different regions of the body including the palms and soles. The second stage is observed around 1 to 6 months after the initial infection. Along with rash other manifestations in this stage include whitish lesions in moist areas on the body. The second stage is the most infectious.

Finally in the third stage also known as latent phase the patient may not display any symptoms for as long as two years or even more. In the fourth stage the infection can affect the brain, bones and skin. The history of syphilis indicates that this condition was initially treated with mercury that was administered either topically or orally.

The history of syphilis reveals that this condition was named syphilis by an Italian physician and poet named Girolamo Fracastoro who wrote about it in his epic poem titled Syphilis sive morbus gallicus. This poem written in Latin meant “Syphilis or The French Disease”. In the 16th century this condition was also known as great pox and this was done so as to distinguish it from smallpox.