In the relation we bear to the public, what use shall we make of our knowledge of the evil effects of venereal disease? / by Albert Vanderveer.

  • Vander Veer, A. (Albert), 1841-1929.
Date:
1911
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: In the relation we bear to the public, what use shall we make of our knowledge of the evil effects of venereal disease? / by Albert Vanderveer. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    of specific infection, the husband, in many instances, carrying with him to the altar the germs that too frequently became the source of the disease that attacked his fair bride. How many sorrowful cases could we relate, and here I wish to emphasize of how much value this line of study became to the general surgeon and, particularly, the genitourinary specialist, also in other departments of our profession. These early investigators soon recognized that the gonococcus produced the same destruc- tive effect upon the male reproductive organs as in the female. In all of this accumulated knowledge, and in our advanced posi- tion outside of what has been done in educating our teachers, and the profession in general, have we accomplished our full duty to the parents and children of our immediate professional territory in imparting to them a plain statement of facts along lines of educational value? It is true that in our discussions, and largely in our lesser, more confidential circles, much has been talked over, a small percentage reaching into the lives of the relatives of the unfortunate patient, or striking deeply into the self-conscious feeling of guilt resting with the husband, possibly his immediate friends, thus reaching out as a warning to younger associates, but not imparting with authority as coming from an association commanding the confidence and good will, not only of our profession, but the public at large. We all know, and must admit, at the present day, how little the parents and unmarried men and women yet know of Ahe perils that present in gonorrheal and syphilitic infection. Some three years ago I attended a most interesting meeting at Los Angeles, at which there were present not only some of the ablest members of our own profession, but also of other pro- fessions. A most charming and intelligent Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, an equally representative Bishop of the Episco- pal Church, also clergymen from the Presbyterian, Baptist and other protestant denominations, together with representative members of the legal profesion were there, and never since then have I attended any medical gathering, or any other of our association meetings, attempting to discuss this subject, where such convincing arguments were advanced nor in such an in- telligent manner. The mothers of young women, in spite of all knowledge that may be presented to them, will permit the marriage of their daughters, although warned of the dangers that may be before them; however, with better instruction given them there is certainly a lessening of this evil tendency. Ignorance