Hereditary syphilis in the written sources of the 15th and 16th century

Abstract

In recent times I have seen scourges, horrible sicknesses and many infirmities afflict mankind from all corners of earth. Amongst them has crept in, from the western shores of Gaul, a disease which is so cruel, so distressing, so appalling that until now nothing so horrifying, nothing more terrible disgusting, has ever been known on this earth.