Chapter 8

THE CONQUEST OF THE VENEREAL DISEASES.

The Significance of the Venereal Diseases--The History of Syphilis--The Problem of Its Origin--The Social Gravity of Syphilis--The Social Dangers of Gonorrhoea--The Modern Change in the Methods of Combating Venereal Diseases--Causes of the Decay of the System of Police Regulation--Necessity of Facing the Facts--The Innocent Victims of Venereal Diseases--Diseases Not Crimes--The Principle of Notification--The Scandinavian System--Gratuitous Treatment--Punishment For Transmitting Venereal Diseases--Sexual Education in Relation to Venereal Diseases--Lectures, Etc.--Discussion in Novels and on the Stage--The "Disgusting" Not the "Immoral".