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The head, also, is a frequent seat of the disorder. It is generally discovered by running the hands through the hair, when a little crust will be detected by the fingers, or a slight itching will show its position, or the brush may break it off. The top and hind parts of the head are generally the situations selected. Occasionally the hair will fall off, leaving spots of a smooth baldness.
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The vital organs, fortunately, are never subject to syphilitic inflammation—such as the brain, the viscera of the chest, and abdomen; nor is even the mucous membrane of the interior of the body affected, its power being confined solely to those parts or structures subject to the influence of external causes.
When the venereal virus attacks the throat or palate, the membrane of the roof of the mouth becomes red and inflamed, patches ulcerate, and, if not cured, sooner or later expose the bony palate, which may be felt by the probe. This is the first stage. The exposed bone next exfoliates, and a communication is thereby formed between the mouth and nose, the fluids return through it, the voice is changed into a nasal twang, and a most offensive discharge is secreted.
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This drawing represents ulceration of the tonsils, uvula, and arch of the palate; also the edges of the tongue. The drawing, p. 102, shows the under surface of the tongue, the inner part of the lower lip, and the lower gums affected with venereal ulcers.
When the tonsils are attacked, ulcers appear, precisely similar in character to chancres, hollow in the centre, with raised ragged edges, yellow on the surface, with a livid color on the surrounding margin. A sense of dryness is perceived, extending up the eustachian tube to the ear. Sometimes the tongue, gums, and inner part of the lips, are attacked (see representation).