The gross and microscopic pathologic features of hepatic syphilis are in the light of our present knowledge well recognized and easily determinable. The close resemblance of these pathologic pictures to those of nonsyphilitic origin, particularly in the group of cirrhoses, is reflected in the clinical aspects of liver disease. Syphilis, the great imitator, is perhaps never seen in a more advantageous rôle as such than in hepatic disease.
The incidence of liver syphilis is second only in frequency to that of syphilis of the heart. McCrae is authority for the statement that syphilis of the liver occurring late is as frequent as late involvement of the nervous system. Considering that a fairly advanced degree of cirrhosis or cicatrization may be present without giving rise to clinical symptoms, and that such involvement is not frequently an accidental postmortem finding, it is evident that the incidence of hepatic syphilis is higher than