The Problem of Syphilis Today

It is fitting on this occasion to discuss a subject which was dear to the heart of Dr. Charles R. Rein, whose memory we are here to honor. For many years, Dr. Rein expressed concern that, in spite of great advances, syphilis would sooner or later recrudesce to a major problem. It is, however, becoming increasingly apparent that syphilis, in spite of these fears, is rapidly taking a place of less importance in medical practice; in fact, some investigators believe that the diminution of syphilis incidence is so great as to make it an uncommon or even rare disease, a situation which these persons feel will be permanent. It would now appear, as Moore 1 has stated, that the venereologist (syphilologist) finds himself in the position of having worked himself out of a job. This decreased incidence of syphilis has resulted in decreased appropriations for its control.