Did Benjamin Franklin have syphilis?

In his Autobiography, written in his 80s, Franklin mentions that he has fortunately and luckily never suffered a venereal disease. read more

Franklin is often said to have died of syphilis, but in fact he most likely died from pneumonia and a chest infection, called empyema. He was confined to his bed for a year before he died, but he did not exhibit symptoms of syphilis. He suffered from gout in the later part of his life and stayed at home because of that painful condition. read more

He was without a doubt a ladies man. His penchant for ‘low women’ a politically correct term in the 18th century for prostitutes and ‘easy’ young ladies, Franklin wrote that he was thankful for not contracting a venereal disease. This fear may have manifested Franklin but is did little to deter his enthusiasm for the gentle gender. read more