SYPHILIS. 147 



itself, being loaded with the poison, which has multi- 

 plied a thousandfold in the system since its introduc- 

 tion, will convey the disease. It is therefore obvious 

 that the very greatest care should be taken to prevent 

 the spread of the poison. All cups, spoons, and other 

 utensils used by such persons should be thoroughly 

 cleansed before being used by others; all dressings, 

 rags, &c., contaminated by contact with the sick one, 

 should be burnt, and intimate relations with him gene- 

 rally should be strictly avoided. Kissing is a common 

 means of conveying infection, and the use of the same 

 cup, spoon, towel, &c., is not infrequently attended with 

 a like result, consequently the greatest care is necessary 

 in every case, and as from the nature of the disease the 

 patient's friends and relatives are rarely aware of their 

 danger, the duty of observing every possible precaution 

 devolves upon the infected one himself. 



The rash upon the skin, the sore throat, the dropping 

 of the hair, together with various other troubles, make 

 up what are known as the " secondary symptoms," and 

 until the disappearance of the last of these the danger 

 of infection to those around continues. Any child 

 begotten or borne during this period, or within from 

 two to three years after the disappearance of these 

 symptoms, is almost certain to be diseased, however 

 carefully the affection has been treated. 



After the disappearance of the secondary symptoms, 

 if the disease have been carefully and methodically 

 treated from the first under the advice of a competent 

 medical man, comparatively good health may be once 



