God's Judgment? Syphillis and Aids: Comparing the History and Prevention Attempts of Two Epidemics

Five centuries separate the appearances of AIDS and syphilis. Nevertheless, the human response to the epidemics proves that society has learned little about coping with sexually transmitted diseases. Both were labeled "God's Judgment" by contemporary zealots. Both epidemics appeared mysteriously. New findings make it doubtful that Columbus's crew brought syphilis back from the New World. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus existed long before it caused the "Gay Plague."English, French and Russian ruling dynasties were terminated by syphilis. The social response to both diseases included blaming and exclusion of the affected, denial of the extent of the disease, scientific bickering, retribution for becoming infected, charlatans with "cures."Both infections caused terror . . . but not enough to change sexual risk taking. Thrill seeking men and rebellious women are more likely to seek sex when they are lonely. Treadwell describes society's response to these "social diseases" and synthesizes some of the writing about syphilis and AIDS. He selects some of the social and scientific issues common to both epidemics. To follow both of these infectious diseases is to expose the human foibles that make history and novels interesting, but inhibit the institution of preventive measures.