The late 18th century was a time ofsexual latitude, and genital discharge and ulceration following "impure coition" were common. Gonorrhoea virulenta and Lues venerea (syphilis) were recognised clinically, but they were thought to be the same disease. The natural history of syphilis itself was poorly understood, and little was known about other causes of genital ulceration. Surgeons, physicians...