Variolation (innoculation) with smallpox to prevent a more deadly case was well-established BEFORE Jenner became a doctor. In fact, Jenner himself was subjected to this when he was 8 years old. So, at the time, exposing people to smallpox under controlled conditions was an established medical procedure. See Edward Jenner and the history of smallpox and vaccination.
But Jenner used vaccination rather than variolation. Though he wasn’t the first, he did much of the serious research and education to make it accepted. By the way, I’ve been to his home in Berkley. Fascinating museum.
If I remember my history correctly he did not infect anyone with smallpox. He used cow pox which is a much less severe disease to inoculate against the small pox. And it worked.
To be fair, he didn’t test very many children, so his trial would have been unacceptable today. Fortunately, the methodology evolved too. We all owe a debt to the nice folks who brew Guiness.
the hero of drug developers iss Jonas Salk. He could have made out like a bandit the way the people now withiut ethical values, but he gave it freely to wipe out a dread disease.Thank you Mr. Salk, I was one of the 1st vaccinated. We got buttons that said “Polio Pioneers”
Around 1954 (not totally sure of the year, but close) we were given the polio medicine on a sugar cube! In those days, we didn’t have such a thing as a school nurse. Not in small town Alabama. We had a COUNTY nurse that came out and administered it. I remember lining up outside the principal’s office and being called in one by one and she put it in our mouths. One nurse covered every school in our county.
Randy B Premium Member over 9 years ago
Variolation (innoculation) with smallpox to prevent a more deadly case was well-established BEFORE Jenner became a doctor. In fact, Jenner himself was subjected to this when he was 8 years old. So, at the time, exposing people to smallpox under controlled conditions was an established medical procedure. See Edward Jenner and the history of smallpox and vaccination.
cdward over 9 years ago
But Jenner used vaccination rather than variolation. Though he wasn’t the first, he did much of the serious research and education to make it accepted. By the way, I’ve been to his home in Berkley. Fascinating museum.
Sweetaddietude Premium Member over 9 years ago
If I remember my history correctly he did not infect anyone with smallpox. He used cow pox which is a much less severe disease to inoculate against the small pox. And it worked.
neverenoughgold over 9 years ago
Those were the days, my friend…
ottod Premium Member over 9 years ago
To be fair, he didn’t test very many children, so his trial would have been unacceptable today. Fortunately, the methodology evolved too. We all owe a debt to the nice folks who brew Guiness.
Randy B Premium Member over 9 years ago
“…the more dagnerous chicken pox”???You do mean smallpox, don’t you?
pam Miner over 9 years ago
the hero of drug developers iss Jonas Salk. He could have made out like a bandit the way the people now withiut ethical values, but he gave it freely to wipe out a dread disease.Thank you Mr. Salk, I was one of the 1st vaccinated. We got buttons that said “Polio Pioneers”
robert423elliott over 2 years ago
Around 1954 (not totally sure of the year, but close) we were given the polio medicine on a sugar cube! In those days, we didn’t have such a thing as a school nurse. Not in small town Alabama. We had a COUNTY nurse that came out and administered it. I remember lining up outside the principal’s office and being called in one by one and she put it in our mouths. One nurse covered every school in our county.