To obtain a clear concept of the dental stigmas of hereditary syphilis has been the desire of every student of the subject. Some authors claim that dystrophies of certain teeth are among the most important, most persistent and most characteristic lesions produced in the body by hereditary syphilis. Since the time of Hutchinson, many investigations and clinical studies have thrown considerable light on the subject. On the other hand, opposing theories, chiefly proposed by clinicians and not substantiated by much laboratory evidence, have tended to obscure certain pathologic entities in the teeth, and as a result have created a miasma of confusion. Among such theories was the rachitic theory of Parrot, the eclamptic theory of Magitot, the hereditary theory of Galippe and the toxic theory of Capdepont. As early as 1743, Bunon described the erosion of teeth attributed to rickets, measles and scurvy. The first mention of syphilis in connection