Poxed, --- Victorian Syphilis...

In the Victorian era, syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, was a significant public health concern. The disease was often associated with poverty, prostitution, and moral decay, leading to the stigmatization of those afflicted. Despite the widespread belief that syphilis was incurable, some treatments were attempted, but they were largely ineffective and often caused severe side effects. The most common treatment during this time was mercury-based remedies, which were known for their antimicrobial properties but also for their toxic nature. These treatments included pills, ointments, and injections, but they did not provide a cure for syphilis. Philandering husbands might bring the disease home to their wives. >>>