#OnThisDay 1796 Edward Jenner administered the first dose of his #vaccine against #smallpox derived from pus from cowpox blisters.
#Immunity #twitterstorians #HistParl #pioneer

In July 1807 Spencer Perceval, as chancellor of the exchequer, spoke in #Parliament praising Jenner's work in tackling the "severest infliction, as a disease, to which mankind was subject"
He recommended that Jenner receive a reward totalling £20,000
#HistParl #vaccination

Answering Perceval, Charles Shaw Lefevre, MP for #Reading, "declared it was with extreme regret he opposed the motion. He entertained for Dr. Jenner the most sincere respect, yet he could not think that this was a period for disposing of £10,000"
#HistParl @TheVictCommons

General Tarleton, MP for #Liverpool, was full of praise for Jenner:
"Military men were said to be most fond of praising great conquerors but, in his opinion, this gentleman who saved the lives of millions, was entitled to more praise than the most successful conqueror."
#HistParl