perception of a connection between prostitution and an outbreak of Syphilis, a previously unknown venereal disease. Brothels in many cities were closed by authorities. Once again, women were bound into the private sphere. Women who were out of place of this sphere were believed to be acting outside of their traditional roles and this symbolized the general disorder of society. Under a typical ordinance, enacted in Paris in 1635, prostitutes were "flogged, shaved bald, and exiled for life without formal trial"(Britannica).These harsh strictures did not, however, eradicate prostitution and venereal disease. Gradually it became obvious that these ills were increasing, especially in the large, crowded cities that accompanied the industrialization of the West. Syphilis is one of the most serious venereal diseases afflicting men. It is known for its tissue destruction and inflation of almost any organ of the body. Most authorities believe that Syphilis was introduced into Europe by infected seamen returning from the first expedition to America of Cristopher Columbus. Religious organizations developed a nationwide campaign against both the immorality of prostitution and its relationship to disease.Women could not find lasting equality in the churches. This was a result of the Protestant and Catholic reformations. Hugh Latimer, the 16th century English Protestant, reasserted this traditional view:"A women is frail, and proclive unto all evils: a woman is a very weak vessel, and many soon deceive a man and bring him into evil."(A History Of Their Own 254)In the 17th century, the male leaders of the Christian sects centralized their beliefs and institutionalized their relationships with their followers. This reflected the earlier patterns restraining women by the use of consolidation and regulations.Women out of control were seen as a danger to men. For if a women was out of place, acting apart from her established position, it symbolized disord...
