GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS 
VIII 
Neisseria gonorrhoeae — the bacterium that causes gonorrhea. 
Nichols strain - one of the strains of infectious material used by Dr. Cutler 
and his colleagues for the syphilis experiments. 
onchocerciasis (River Blindness) - a parasitic disease spread by the black fly 
that is characterized by blindness. 
orvus-mapharsen — made up of 1% orvus (alkyl aryl sulfateO and 0.15% 
mapharsen in aqueous solution and was supposed to be applied after sexual 
intercourse to prevent infection. 
pelvic inflammatory disease - an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and 
other reproductive organs that can cause abdominal pain, ectopic pregnancy, 
and infertility. 
penicillin - an antibiotic either obtained through Penicillium molds or 
produced synthetically that is used to treat various diseases and infections. 
penile - relating to or affecting the penis. 
pinto — a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum carateum. 
placebo - an inactive substance given instead of treatment, often used as a 
control in a pharmaceutical experiment. 
pledget - small, absorbent piece of material used to cover a wound or sore on 
the body. 
POB — a preparation of penicillin in a medium of peanut oil and beeswax to 
ensure a slow steady release. 
post-exposure prophylaxis - a prophylaxis designed for use after exposure to 
an infection. 
preventive medical measures - the word used to describe these measures 
was “prophylaxis.” This term included the steps taken after sexual exposure, 
such as washing and applying medicinal ointment containing mercury and/or 
arsenical compounds that would forestall “seroconversion,” the systemic infec- 
tion evidenced by appearance of antibodies to the bacteria in the bloodstream. 
prophylaxis - a measure taken as a preventative for a disease or condition. 
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