[Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas, year 1, issue 1]

The first issue of Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas appeared in May-June of 1909. Although not the first Spanish dermatology journal, it did provide a lasting forum where dermatologists could publish in Spanish at the same time as opening a window to the practice of dermatology throughout the world. Initially, the journal only included minutes of the Spanish Society of Dermatology (currently the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology [AEDV]), certain obituaries, and a section on foreign journals. The first issue of the journal is a good snapshot of the situation of the specialty in Spain 100 years ago. The proportion dedicated to venereology was substantial --more than half the total content. Venereology itself was dominated by syphilis, explaining why the journal retains the word <> in its title. The catalyst for starting the journal was Juan de Azúa, who was also president of the society, with the help of Sánchez-Covisa as recording secretary, and Miguel Serrano as the society's treasurer and journal manager. The first collaborators were drawn almost entirely from the now defunct Hospital San Juan de Dios in Madrid.