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Back to the future for syphilis research
In the mid 19th century, a doctor named Jonathan Hutchinson published the first report suggesting that male circumcision may be protective against syphilis. He observed that among men seeking help with venereal disease, circumcised (Jewish) men were less likely to suffer from syphilis than uncircumcised men.
Several decades later, another doctor - Ephraim Epstein, pointed out that the association between syphilis and male circumcision could actually be due to spiritual beliefs and practices, rather than any physiological factor. "In common with others, once I believed that circumcision affords a protection against venereal diseases, but my practice in Vienna, and in this country since 1862, persuaded me fully to the contrary. The apparent immunity which Jews of Russia and European Turkey seem to enjoy from venereal diseases arises from their greater chastity," noted Epstein at the time.
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