Histoire De La Prostitution Chez Tous Les Peuples Du Monde Depuis L'antiquité La Plus Reculée Jusqu'à Nos Jours, Tome 5/6

A historical account written in the mid-19th century. The work delves into the social and medical implications of prostitution throughout history, examining its evolution from antiquity to the author's contemporary time. Dufour's exploration likely scrutinizes the interplay between prostitution, disease (notably syphilis), and societal attitudes towards morality and health. The opening of the text introduces the subject of syphilis during its early days, detailing the symptoms and societal responses to the disease shortly after its emergence in Europe. The author recounts historical treatments, the reluctance of medical practitioners to engage with syphilis patients, and the unfortunate fate of those afflicted, often marginalized by society. Dufour discusses various medical theories of the time, including erroneous beliefs about contagion, alongside the social stigma attached to both the disease and to prostitution itself, thereby setting the stage for a broader investigation of these intertwined themes in the context of history.