Smallpox inoculation in the eighteenth century was the genesis of
modern immunology. This new method of purposely contracting a
disease in order to secure protection from it was an empirical folk
practice from the New East that ran counter to traditional European
habits of thought in both medicine and religion. Based on diligent
research in all available sources, this detailed study brings into
relief the significant factors that made smallpox inoculation
acceptable to Western Europeans-namely, the increasing threat and
fear of the disease, particularly among the upper classes; a strong
program led by members of such respected scientific groups and the
Royal Society in London and the Academic Royale des Sciences in
Paris; the interest and participation of both the English and
French royal families who furnished an example for their subjects
to emulate. In presenting this account of an important development
in medical history Genevieve Miller offers evidence to prove that,
contrary to the usual view, most religious leaders were not opposed
to the practice of inoculation and that a number of them were
active proponents. She also points out how, in the sphere of
medical thought, experience with inoculation clarified ides
concerning the etiology of smallpox by supplying proof that it
originated with a specific material substance introduced into the
human body from without.
General
Imprint: |
University of PennsylvaniaPress
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Series: |
Anniversary Collection |
Release date: |
1957 |
First published: |
1957 |
Authors: |
Genevieve Miller
|
Dimensions: |
210 x 140 x 21mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Hardcover - Paper over boards
|
Pages: |
360 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-5128-1325-8 |
Categories: |
Books >
Medicine >
General issues >
History of medicine
Promotions
|
LSN: |
1-5128-1325-7 |
Barcode: |
9781512813258 |
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