Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 969

JOHN HUNTER (1728-1793) A treatise on the venereal disease. [n. publ.] 1786 [12] 398 [26] pp., 7 plates. 26.1 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 968

During Hunter's time, venereal diseases were thought to be caused by a single pathogen. In order to test this theory, Hunter inoculated himself with matter taken from a patient who had gonorrhea; however, unknown to Hunter, the individual also had syphilis. As a result, Hunter contracted syphilis and concluded that the theory of a single pathogen was correct. Because of his reputation and authority, the experiment slowed for many years the development of knowledge about gonorrhea and syphilis.

Cited references: Cushing H517; Garrison-Morton 2377; Osler 1227; Waller 4998; Wellcome III, p. 317