Heinrich Heine and syphilis.

Though Heinrich Heine died 151 years ago, the underlying illness responsible for his suffering of many years has never been fully clarified. The diagnosis put forward most frequently in retrospect was that of a venereal disease. However, this diagnosis was the result of an interpretation in disregard of the historical context. Only by evaluating and interpreting the entire source material in its historical context (Heine's complete works, his correspondence, records of conversations kept by contemporaries and prescriptions) can this diagnosis be confirmed on a reliable basis. Above all, medical records dated 1848 and their interpretation in the context of contemporary syphilis nosology and therapy show that Heinrich Heine was treated for syphilis from 1848 onward. After 8 years confinement to the proverbial 'mattress grave', Heine's death can ultimately be explained by his long-standing and well-documented abuse of opium.