Note 346 — Introductory material

[330] See note to p. 390.

[331] Parent-Duchatelet, “The Moral Corruption of the Female Sex in Paris,” vol. ii., p. 234 (Leipzig, 1837). Similarly, Julius Donarth remarks (“The Beginnings of the Human Spirit,” p. 19; Stuttgart, 1898): “Syphilis and alcoholism can by social arrangement and carefully adapted measures be suppressed just as much as plague and cholera.”

[332] The literature of this subject is very extensive. In addition to a comprehensive work dealing with the older literature, by J. K. Proksch, “The Prevention of Venereal Diseases” (Vienna, 1872), I must mention the following: E. Lang, “The Prevention of Venereal Diseases” (Vienna, 1894); M. Joseph, “Prophylaxis of Cutaneous and Venereal Diseases” (Munich, 1900); Neuberger, “The Prophylaxis of Venereal Diseases,” pp. 35-37 (Munich and Berlin, 1904); Felix Block, “How shall We protect Ourselves against Venereal Diseases and their Evil Consequences?” second edition (Leipzig, 1905); E. Boureau, “Conseils Pratiques à la Jeunesse pour Éviter les Avaries” (Paris, 1905); Suarez de Mendoza, “Conseils de Prophylaxie Sanitaire et Morale” (Paris, 1906); same author, “ABC à l’Usage des Mères de Famille pour la Défense de Leurs Foyers contre les Grands Fléaux du XXe Siècle: Tuberculose, Avariose [= Syphilis], Neissérose [= Gonorrhœa], Alcoolisme, Mortalité Infantile” (Paris, 1905); same author, “Avariose des Innocents” (Paris, 1905).

[333] Cf. also the valuable remarks of Robert Hessen, “Cleanliness or Morality?” published in Die Zukunft, June 9, 1906, pp. 367-377 (also separately printed in Munich, 1906).

[334] Otto Neustätter, “The Public Recommendation of Protective Measures,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, vol. v., No. 3, pp. 225-227 (Leipzig, 1905).

[335] H. Ferdy, “The History of the Cæcal Condom,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1905, vol. iii., No. 4, pp. 144-147.

[336] Cf. in this connexion the admirable essay, distinguished by a critical spirit, of R. de Campagnolle, “The Value of the Modern Prophylaxis of Gonorrhœa by Means of Instillations,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1904, vol. iii., Nos. 1-4, pp. 1-31, 51-115, 148 (with a complete bibliography).

[337] In place of these solutions, Cronquist (“Contributions to the Personal Prophylaxis against Gonorrhœa,” published in Medizinische Klinik, No. 10, 1906) recommends the use of little rods or bougies containing 2 per cent. of albargin, which melt from the body-heat when introduced into the urethra (these are sold under the trade name of “antigon-rods”); they are used, like the solutions, immediately after coitus. The advantage they possess is their greater durability.

[338] The same idea had already been advanced in Germany by Eduard Richter and S. Behrmann.

[339] E. Metchnikoff, “The Prophylaxis of Syphilis,” published in Medizinische Klinik, 1906, No. 15, pp. 372, 373. Cf. also Paul Maisonneuve, “Experimentation sur la Prophylaxie de la Syphilis” (Paris, 1906); and A. Neisser. “Experimental Research regarding Syphilis,” pp. 81-83 (Berlin, 1906).

[340] O. Neustätter, “The Public Recommendation of Protective Measures,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1905, vol. iv., pp. 203-252.

[341] G. Bernhard, “The Criminal Law and Protective Measures against Venereal Diseases,” ibid., pp. 253-273.

[342] F. von Liszt, “Legal Protection against Dangers to Health from Venereal Diseases,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1903, vol. i., pp. 1-25.

[343] Von Bar, “The Need for a Special Law against Blameworthy Venereal Infection,” ibid., pp. 64-72.

[344] R. Schmölder, “Criminal and Civil Juridicial Significance of Venereal Diseases,” ibid., pp. 73-106.

[345] Albert Reibmayr, “The Immunization of Families by Inheritable Diseases (Tuberculosis, Lues, Mental Disorders),” p. 17 (Leipzig and Vienna, 1899).

[346] This conception of “partial syphilization” of our race appears somewhat vague. If we take care to think clearly, and in terms of exact biological knowledge, we shall see that—apart from a spontaneous loss of intensity on the part of the syphilitic virus (of which we have no precise knowledge whatever)—the only known way of accounting for syphilis having become milder is by natural selection, by the death of those who suffered most severely from the disease. Now, in 400 years, ten or twelve human generations, there has hardly been time for the development of immunity to a disease to which at most a small fraction only of the population has ever been exposed. It appears to me, however, that we may reasonably doubt the alleged decline in the severity of syphilis. It must be remembered that the entire absence of mercurial treatment at first, and the misuse of that specific for many years after its value had been proved, will account for much in respect of the apparent greater virulence of medieval as compared with modern syphilis. (See also p. 356, and footnote to that page referring to the writings of Archdall Reid).—Translator.

[347] Alfred Fournier, “The Treatment and Prophylaxis of Syphilis.” One vol. Rebman, London.

[348] Cf. Iwan Bloch, “Personal Reminiscences of my Lecturing Journey this Year,” published in Medizinische Klinik, 1906, No. 10.

[349] Hermann is a fanatical medical opponent of mercury. There are, in fact, such oddities. They are very rare birds in the medical world.

[350] Recently R. Kaufmann has collected in a small readable essay the scientific views of the present day, “The Therapeutic Use of Mercury” (Leipzig, 1906). I warmly recommend this book to all who are interested in the question.

[351] Cf. Iwan Bloch, “The After-Treatment of Syphilis,” published in Medizinische Klinik, 1905, No. 4, pp. 88-91.

[352] Cf. Iwan Bloch, “Nutritive Therapeutics in Cases of Syphilis,” published in Medizinische Klinik, 1905, No. 18, pp. 442-446.

[353] Alfred Fournier, “En Guérit-on?” pp. 95, 96 (Paris, 1906).

[354] “Krankenkassen.”—I have to employ the German term, since in England we do not possess the institution, nor even the name. In Germany there is a general system of insurance against illness, to which workmen have to contribute a proportion of their wages, the fund being supplemented by contributions from the employers of labour. When ill the workman applies to the Krankenkasse for the necessary medical advice and treatment.—Translator.

[355] A. Blaschko, “The Treatment of Venereal Diseases in Krankenkassen” (Berlin, 1890).

[356] A. Neisser, “Krankenkassen and the Campaign against Venereal Diseases,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1904, vol. ii., pp. 161-169, 181-194, 221-247.

[357] R. Ledermann, “Do the Provisions of the Law for Insurance against Sickness Provide for the Cure of Venereal Disease?” ibid., 1905, vol. iii., pp. 449-463.

[358] Albert Kohn, “Should Krankenkassen send Delegates to Hygienic Congresses?” ibid., 1906, vol. v., pp. 121-130.

[359] Rudolf Lennhoff, in an address on February 8, 1907, to the local group of Berlin of the German Society for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases on “Venereal Diseases and Social Legislation,” drew especial attention to the necessity of enrolling in the scheme of insurance against illness wider circles of the impecunious population, especially the class of domestic servants. Servants suffering from venereal disease, since at the present day they usually preserve secrecy as to their trouble, in order that they may not lose their place, constitute a dangerous source of infection for their employers and the latters’ children. Therefore, a particularly thorough and speedy treatment of servants suffering from venereal diseases is necessary. It is further necessary to insist that all the employees of the Krankenkassen should observe the duty of professional secrecy. Recently the Landesversicherungsanstalt (an insurance institution) of Berlin started a dispensary of its own in Lichtenberg for patients suffering from venereal disease, in which every year more than 400 patients undergo treatment.

[360] A. Blaschko, “The Diffusion of Venereal Diseases,” published in The Hygiene of Prostitution and of Venereal Diseases, pp. 19-36 (Jena, 1900).

[361] “Diffusion of Venereal Diseases in Prussia, as well as the Measures Necessary in the Campaign against these Diseases,” edited by A. Guttstadt; Berlin, 1901 (Journal of the Royal Prussian Statistical Bureau).

[362] M. Kirchner, “The Social Importance of Venereal Diseases.”

[363] Cf. Chotzen and Simonson, “The Duty of Notification and the Obligation of Professional Secrecy on the Part of Physicians in the Case of Venereal Diseases,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1904, vol. ii., pp. 433-474; A. Neisser, “Amendment of § 300 of the Criminal Code, and the Medical Duty of Notification, in Relation to the Suppression of Venereal Diseases,” op. cit., 1905, vol. iv., pp. 1-28; Bernstein, “Medical Professional Secrecy and Venereal Diseases,” ibid., pp. 29-31; M. Flesch, “Medical Professional Secrecy and the Suppression of Venereal Diseases,” ibid., pp. 32-51; Magnus Möller, “The Duty of Professional Secrecy on the Part of Physicians, the Notification of Diseases, and the Ascertainment of the Sources of Infection in the Case of Venereal Diseases,” ibid., 1906, vol. vi., pp. 241-258, 283-301; Ludwig Bendix, “Professional Secrecy on the Part of Physicians,” ibid., 1906, pp. 372-376.

[364] H. Loeb, “Statistics Relating to Venereal Diseases in Mannheim,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, vol. ii., pp. 97, 98 (1904).

[365] H. Berger, “Prostitution in Hanover,” pp. 37, 38 (Berlin, 1902).

[366] Schmölder, “The State and Prostitution,” p. 1 (Berlin, 1900).

[367] Cf. J. Fabry, “The Question of Inscription under Police Surveillance, with especial Regard to the Conditions in Dortmund,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1906, vol. v., pp. 325-342.

[368] A. Neisser, “In what Direction can the Regulation of Prostitution be Reformed?” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1903, vol. i., pp. 163-356.

[369] Anna Pappritz, “Is the Present Method of the Regulation of Prostitution Capable of Reform, and in What Manner?” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1903, vol. i., pp. 367-372.

[370] Clausmann, “Prostitution, Police, and Justice,” op. cit., 1906, vol. v., pp. 219-225.

[371] Friedrich Hammer, “The Regulation of Prostitution,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1904, 1905, vol. iii., pp. 373-385, 426-435.

[372] S. Bettmann, “The Medical Treatment of Prostitutes” (Jena, 1905)—a thorough study of all the available material.

[373] Schmölder, “Professional Fornication and Compulsory Inscription on the List of Prostitutes” (Berlin, 1894).

[374] “The Social Evil, with Especial Reference to Conditions existing in the City of New York. A Report prepared under the Direction of the ‘Committee of Fifteen,’” pp. 91, 92 (New York and London, 1902).

[375] A severe criticism of regulation and its consequences is to be found in the excellent dissertation of Paul Emile Morhardt, “Les Maladies Vénériennes et la Réglementation de la Prostitution au Point de Vue de l’Hygiène Sociale” (Paris, 1906).

[376] Cf. the admirable description of soutenage given by Hans Ostwald, “Soutenage in Berlin” (Berlin and Leipzig, 1905).

[377] “The human being awakens in the prostitute. That is the whole secret and the cause of soutenage.”—H. Ostwald.

[378] The dislike to the brothels of Paris is confirmed by Lassar (“Prostitution in Paris,” Berliner klinische Wochenschrift, 1892, No. 5).

[379] J. Rutgers (“Sketches from Holland,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1906, vol. v., p. 345) has admirably expressed this fact in the following words: “The danger of infection is directly proportionable to centralization.”

[380] Anna Pappritz, “What Protection can Brothel Streets Offer?” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1904, 1905, vol. iii., pp. 417-424.

[381] Stachow, “The Controlled Streets of Bremen,” ibid., 1905, vol. iv., pp. 77-87.

[382] Fabry, “Brothels and Brothel Streets,” ibid., 1905, pp. 167-169 (in favour of “Kasernierung”); Wolff, “The Question of Kasernierung,” ibid., 1905, vol. iv., pp. 73-76 (in favour of “Kasernierung”); F. Block, “The Kasernierung of Prostitution in Hanover” (Hanover, 1907).

[383] F. Zinsser, “The Conditions of Prostitution in the Town of Cologne,” ibid., 1906, vol. v., pp. 201-218.

[384] E. von Düring, “The Brothel Question,” ibid., 1905, pp. 111-128.

[385] H. Fürth, “The Suppression of Venereal Diseases and the Brothel Question,” ibid., pp. 129-156.

[386] K. Nötzel, “Brothels in Russia,” ibid., 1906, pp. 41-66, 81-106.

[387] M. Bruck, “Good Morals and the Brothel Trade,” ibid., pp. 57-62.

[388] O. Lassar, “Prostitution and Venereal Diseases,” published in Hygienische Rundschau, 1891, No. 23.

[389] See note at end of chapter.

[390] B. Marcuse, “Treatment of Prostitutes,” published in The Journal for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases, 1906, pp. 1-8.

[391] F. Schiller, “Rescue-Work and the Suppression of Prostitution,” ibid., 1903, 1904, vol. ii., pp. 294-313, 341-349.

[392] Ibid., 1906, vol. iii., pp. 336-350.

[393] P. Kampffmeyer, “Educational Work in Connexion with Prostitutes,” ibid., pp. 351, 352.

[394] E. Kromayer, “The Physician and the Protection of Motherhood,” published in Mutterschutz, 1905, vol. iii., pp. 351-352.

[395] Quite recently—October, 1906—the first step in this direction has been taken. The Chief Commissioner of the Berlin Police addressed to the medical specialists in venereal diseases an inquiry whether they were prepared to treat gratuitously impecunious prostitutes who were not under police control. The girls would then be given a register of these doctors. If they presented themselves for treatment, no particulars about them would be demanded from the physician. The presentation by the patients to the police of a certificate from a medical man would suffice to exempt them from police control, and from compulsory examination and treatment at the police department of the section of the town to which they belonged. Further details will be arranged later in co-operation with the Committee of the Society for the Suppression of Venereal Diseases.

In his valuable study, “The Future of Prostitution,” published in the monthly magazine Mutterschutz, July, 1907, pp. 274-288, Havelook Ellis also takes an extremely optimistic view regarding the gradual and inevitable diminution of prostitution by indirect means—that is to say, in this way we are elevating ourselves socially and economically to a higher stage of humanity.