Syphilis – How was the cause found ?

• In 1905 , the cause of syphilis was found by two German dermatologists: a spirochaete bacteria called Treponema Pallidum
• When presented at a meeting of the Berlin medical society, the president, Prof Ernst Von Bergmann, cut him short with words he no doubt later regretted. “This terminates the discussion – until the next cause of syphilis is brought to our attention”

*Dr Erich Hoffmann & Dr Fritz Schaudinn.

• To read more about syphilis: http://www.globale-dermatologie.com/en/la-syphilis.html#.VET_h-fbw4Y

Source of information: Crissey JT el al. Dermatology and Dermatologists (2002). Parthenon Publishing