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Introduction of Syphilis from the New World
| Introduction of Syphilis from the New World |
In 1825, when at Buenos Ayres, and observing that both gonorrhoea or blennorrhagia, and syphilis * were very common among the white and mixed portion of the population, I made inquiries as to whether these diseases were met with among the Indians of that country. I was informed, as far as was known on this point, the Indians were free from them.
In the autumn of the same year I was weather-bound in Nassau Bay, just behind Cape Horn. The Indians there were nearly naked, a few only having a little piece of seal-skin over the shoulders ; and although there were signs that foreign shipping (as sealers and whalers) had been thereabouts, I saw no indication of either disease.
The latter end of the year I arrived at the port of Valparaiso, where there are certain localities called "Tops," the residence of the prostitute population, frequented by sailors of all nations, and there could be no doubt that syphilis and gonorrhoea were rife. I then travelled about the central portion of Chile, but did not learn that the Peons, or labouring population (Mestizos) were afflicted with either disease. For some years I resided in Peru, and visited Bolivia, but heard of no cases amongst those Indians, who lived distant from the whites, mestizos, or mulattos. However, among the whites and mixed breeds the diseases were very common.
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Introduction of Syphilis 2
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Introduction of Syphilis 5
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Seeing Europe With Famous Authors
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