Lesson of the week.

Introduction Cecil Alergant's contributions to the specialty were both unique and extensive. He founded a great tradition in 1967 by inaugurating the first university course which culminated in an examination for a Diploma in Venereology awarded by the University of Liverpool. This remains the only Diploma in the specialty awarded by a university in the United Kingdom. Cecil's loyalty and service to the Medical Society for the Study of Venereal Diseases were legion, culminating in the Office ofTreasurer for eight years and then President from 1975 to 1977. The unfailing presence of Cecil and Joan at Spring meetings, where they provided friendship and support to younger colleagues, is a loss which is deeply felt. Despite crippling angina, Cecil delivered a most memorable contribution to the Cambridge Spring meeting in July 1988, within a month of his death. We are grateful to colleagues in Liverpool who obtained the manuscript, which recalls the unmistakable style of a respected and much loved man.