Syphilis, often referred to by various nationalities depending on prevailing beliefs about its origin, was known as the Italian, Spanish, German, and Polish disease. The term "syphilis" was introduced by Hieronymus Fracastorius, also known as Girolamo Fracastoro. Fracastorius was a quintessential Renaissance figure, contributing to diverse fields such as oenology, hydrology, poetry, psychology, astronomy, geography, botany, mathematics, and philosophy, while also practicing as a physician. In 1530, he published the poem "Syphilis sive morbus gallicus" (Syphilis or the French Disease), marking the first use of the term. More significantly, in 1546, he authored "On Contagion" ("De contagione et contagiosis morbis et curatione"), pioneering the examination of infectious contagion and establishing a cornerstone in the study of infectious diseases.
