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Excerpts from the history of Smallpox
Documented and well-referenced
Excerpts from the history of Smallpox
Documented and well-referenced
1) Variolation differes from vaccination
1.
Variolation: A procedure that entails inoculating a susceptible person with material taken from a vesicle (a blister formed in or beneath the skin) of someone who has smallpox (orthopox variola virus), to try to prevent smallpox in the susceptible person.
Variolation: A procedure that entails inoculating a susceptible person with material taken from a vesicle (a blister formed in or beneath the skin) of someone who has smallpox (orthopox variola virus), to try to prevent smallpox in the susceptible person.
2.
Vaccination: A preparation of a weakened or killed pathogen, such as a bacterium or a virus, or of a portion of the pathogen’s structure that, upon administration, stimulates antibody production or humoral immunity against the pathogen.
Vaccination: A preparation of a weakened or killed pathogen, such as a bacterium or a virus, or of a portion of the pathogen’s structure that, upon administration, stimulates antibody production or humoral immunity against the pathogen.
2) The history of Smallpox (1700s)
1.
Even though inoculation might protect the individual by a mild attack, it spreaded the disease more widely by multiplying the foci of infection.
For this reason inoculation fell into general disrepute in Europe after 1728.
Even though inoculation might protect the individual by a mild attack, it spreaded the disease more widely by multiplying the foci of infection.
For this reason inoculation fell into general disrepute in Europe after 1728.
2. Ref.
Frederick F. Cartwright, Disease and History, Rupert-Hart-Davis, London, 1972, p. 124.
Frederick F. Cartwright, Disease and History, Rupert-Hart-Davis, London, 1972, p. 124.
3.
In the 38 years preceding the start of inoculation in 1721, deaths from smallpox relative to the number born was 90 per 1,000, and relative to the number of burials 64 per 1,000.
In the 38 years preceding the start of inoculation in 1721, deaths from smallpox relative to the number born was 90 per 1,000, and relative to the number of burials 64 per 1,000.
4.
In the 38 years after the start of inoculation, deaths from smallpox relative to the number born increased to 127 per 1,000 (a 41 percent increase) and relative to the number of burials 81 per 1,000 (a 27 percent increase).
In the 38 years after the start of inoculation, deaths from smallpox relative to the number born increased to 127 per 1,000 (a 41 percent increase) and relative to the number of burials 81 per 1,000 (a 27 percent increase).
5. Ref
Elizabeth A. Fenn, “The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775–82,” History Today, July 20,2003, p. 12.
Elizabeth A. Fenn, “The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775–82,” History Today, July 20,2003, p. 12.
6.
In 1796, Edward Jenner subjected an eight-year-old boy named James Phipps to an experiment. He took disease matter that he believed to be cowpox from lesions on the hands of dairymaid Sarah Nelmes and vaccinated James with it.
In 1796, Edward Jenner subjected an eight-year-old boy named James Phipps to an experiment. He took disease matter that he believed to be cowpox from lesions on the hands of dairymaid Sarah Nelmes and vaccinated James with it.
7.
The child was later deliberately exposed to smallpox in order to test the protective property of the cowpox inoculation.When the boy did not contract clinical smallpox,it was assumed that the cowpox vaccination was successful and that it would also provide lifelong protection.
The child was later deliberately exposed to smallpox in order to test the protective property of the cowpox inoculation.When the boy did not contract clinical smallpox,it was assumed that the cowpox vaccination was successful and that it would also provide lifelong protection.
8.
Immunology was so crude that knowledge of preexisting immunity or subclinical infection was not part of Jenner’s experimental design.
Immunology was so crude that knowledge of preexisting immunity or subclinical infection was not part of Jenner’s experimental design.
9.
"it is observed that all un-revaccinated children over one and a-half years of age, or thereabouts, and all revaccinated persons whose revaccinations are more than three years old, i.e., the vast majority of the entire population—are unprotected"
"it is observed that all un-revaccinated children over one and a-half years of age, or thereabouts, and all revaccinated persons whose revaccinations are more than three years old, i.e., the vast majority of the entire population—are unprotected"
10. Ref
J. W. Hodge, MD, “State-Inflicted Disease in Our Public Schools,” Medical Century, vol.XVI, no. 10, October 1908, pp. 308–314
J. W. Hodge, MD, “State-Inflicted Disease in Our Public Schools,” Medical Century, vol.XVI, no. 10, October 1908, pp. 308–314
11.
Dr. Olesen claimed that revaccination should be done annually.
"Protection lasts from six months to twelve months and often much longer. Revaccination is advisable once a year"
Dr. Olesen claimed that revaccination should be done annually.
"Protection lasts from six months to twelve months and often much longer. Revaccination is advisable once a year"
12. Ref
Dr. Olesen, “Vaccination in the Philippine Islands,” Medical Sentinel, vol. 19, no. 4,April 1911, p. 255.
Dr. Olesen, “Vaccination in the Philippine Islands,” Medical Sentinel, vol. 19, no. 4,April 1911, p. 255.
13.
there was never a trial where one group was vaccinated and compared to another group of the same size that was not vaccinated.
The CDC admits that, even now, the level of antibody that protects against smallpox infection is unknow
there was never a trial where one group was vaccinated and compared to another group of the same size that was not vaccinated.
The CDC admits that, even now, the level of antibody that protects against smallpox infection is unknow
14. Ref
MMWR, vol. 50, no. RR-10, Centers for Disease Control, June 22, 2001, pp. 1–25
MMWR, vol. 50, no. RR-10, Centers for Disease Control, June 22, 2001, pp. 1–25
15.
Jenner developed “humanized cowpox vaccine.” which first utilized disease material from an animal, inoculating the raw pus into humans.
Jenner developed “humanized cowpox vaccine.” which first utilized disease material from an animal, inoculating the raw pus into humans.
16.
The vaccination procedure then consisted of rubbing pox pustular lymph from the pock of an inoculated human to a cut in the arm of the next human recipient and was termed “arm-to–arm vaccination.”
The vaccination procedure then consisted of rubbing pox pustular lymph from the pock of an inoculated human to a cut in the arm of the next human recipient and was termed “arm-to–arm vaccination.”
17.
Another method of inoculation was to place numerous human pox scabs into a jar, fill it with water, and shake.The resultant pus was used as vaccine material for one town.
Another method of inoculation was to place numerous human pox scabs into a jar, fill it with water, and shake.The resultant pus was used as vaccine material for one town.
18. Ref
Frederick F. Cartwright, Disease and History, Rupert-Hart-Davis, London, 1972, p. 127.
Frederick F. Cartwright, Disease and History, Rupert-Hart-Davis, London, 1972, p. 127.
19.
People were considered vaccinated and immune simply by revealing the scar of vaccination after developing a blister at the site of inoculation. Often multiple sites were used in an attempt to try and ensure maximum protection.
People were considered vaccinated and immune simply by revealing the scar of vaccination after developing a blister at the site of inoculation. Often multiple sites were used in an attempt to try and ensure maximum protection.
20.
Successful vaccination was thought to have occurred by a “good take” after wounding up to four parts of the arm at one sitting.
Successful vaccination was thought to have occurred by a “good take” after wounding up to four parts of the arm at one sitting.
21. Ref
Derrick Baxby, “Smallpox Vaccination Techniques; from Knives and Forks to Needles and Pins,” Vaccine, vol. 20, no. 16, May 15, 2002, p. 2142.
Derrick Baxby, “Smallpox Vaccination Techniques; from Knives and Forks to Needles and Pins,” Vaccine, vol. 20, no. 16, May 15, 2002, p. 2142.
22.
Dryvax, patented by the company that later became Wyeth, is the oldest smallpox vaccine and has been used since the late 1800s. The methods used to propagate Dryvax resulted in mixtures of viruses commonly called “quasispecies.”
Dryvax, patented by the company that later became Wyeth, is the oldest smallpox vaccine and has been used since the late 1800s. The methods used to propagate Dryvax resulted in mixtures of viruses commonly called “quasispecies.”
23.
In 2011, Qin et al. genetically characterized the modern Dryvax and stated that all brands of smallpox vaccines prior to the late 1990s were rarely subjected to clonal purification.
In 2011, Qin et al. genetically characterized the modern Dryvax and stated that all brands of smallpox vaccines prior to the late 1990s were rarely subjected to clonal purification.
24.
They concluded that Dryvax was of horse and human viral origin, describing the vaccine as a “molecular fossil”.
They concluded that Dryvax was of horse and human viral origin, describing the vaccine as a “molecular fossil”.
25. Ref
L. Qin, C. Upton, B. Hazes, and D. H. Evans, “Genomic Analysis of the Vaccinia Virus Strain Variants Found in Dryvax Vaccine,” Journal of Virology, vol. 85, no. 24, December 2011,pp. 13049–13060.
L. Qin, C. Upton, B. Hazes, and D. H. Evans, “Genomic Analysis of the Vaccinia Virus Strain Variants Found in Dryvax Vaccine,” Journal of Virology, vol. 85, no. 24, December 2011,pp. 13049–13060.
26.
In 2008, after more than 100 years of use, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) called for quarantine and destruction of all remaining Dryvax.
In 2008, after more than 100 years of use, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) called for quarantine and destruction of all remaining Dryvax.
27. Ref
“Notice to Readers: Newly Licensed Smallpox Vaccine to Replace Old Smallpox Vaccine,” MMWR, vol. 57, no. 8, February 29, 2008, pp. 207–208.
“Notice to Readers: Newly Licensed Smallpox Vaccine to Replace Old Smallpox Vaccine,” MMWR, vol. 57, no. 8, February 29, 2008, pp. 207–208.
28.
In 1799 Dr. Drake, a surgeon from Stroud, England, conducted an experiment to test Jenner’s new preventive using vaccine obtained directly from Edward Jenner. The children were then challenged with a smallpox inoculation to see if the cowpox procedure had been effective.
In 1799 Dr. Drake, a surgeon from Stroud, England, conducted an experiment to test Jenner’s new preventive using vaccine obtained directly from Edward Jenner. The children were then challenged with a smallpox inoculation to see if the cowpox procedure had been effective.
29.
In three of them, a lad aged seventeen and two of the Colborne children (one four years, the other fifteen months), the cowpox vesicles came to early maturity and were scabbed under the usual time.
In three of them, a lad aged seventeen and two of the Colborne children (one four years, the other fifteen months), the cowpox vesicles came to early maturity and were scabbed under the usual time.
30.The lad was inoculated with smallpox on the 20th December,being the eight day from his vaccination, and the two children on the 21st, being again the eight day. They all developed smallpox, both the local pustules and the general eruption with fever
31. Ref
Charles Creighton, Jenner and Vaccination, 1889, pp. 95–96.
Charles Creighton, Jenner and Vaccination, 1889, pp. 95–96.
32.
Later in 1799, Dr. Woodville, director of the Smallpox Inoculation Hospital in London, began extensive use of cowpox inoculation. He obtained his vaccine material from a cow belonging to a dairy on Gray’s Inn Lane in London and vaccinated seven people.
Later in 1799, Dr. Woodville, director of the Smallpox Inoculation Hospital in London, began extensive use of cowpox inoculation. He obtained his vaccine material from a cow belonging to a dairy on Gray’s Inn Lane in London and vaccinated seven people.
33.
Just five days later, using those seven people, he performed the arm-to-arm cowpox vaccination technique on hundreds of others. Dr. Woodville acknowledged that there were serious problems associated with this procedure.
Just five days later, using those seven people, he performed the arm-to-arm cowpox vaccination technique on hundreds of others. Dr. Woodville acknowledged that there were serious problems associated with this procedure.
34.
"in several instances, the cowpox has proved a very severe disease. In three or four cases out of 500, the patient has been in considerable danger, and one child actually died."
"in several instances, the cowpox has proved a very severe disease. In three or four cases out of 500, the patient has been in considerable danger, and one child actually died."
35. Ref
Frederick F. Cartwright, Disease and History, Rupert-Hart-Davis, London, 1972, p. 130.
Frederick F. Cartwright, Disease and History, Rupert-Hart-Davis, London, 1972, p. 130.
3) The history of Smallpox (1800s)
1.
In 1809 the Medical Observer reported a series of patients demonstrating the failure of natural cowpox or vaccination to protect from smallpox:
In 1809 the Medical Observer reported a series of patients demonstrating the failure of natural cowpox or vaccination to protect from smallpox:
2.
A Child was vaccinated by Mr. Robinson, surgeon and apothecary, at Rotherham, towards the end of the year 1799. A month later it was inoculated with smallpox matter without effect, and a few months subsequently took confluent smallpox and died.
A Child was vaccinated by Mr. Robinson, surgeon and apothecary, at Rotherham, towards the end of the year 1799. A month later it was inoculated with smallpox matter without effect, and a few months subsequently took confluent smallpox and died.
A woman-servant to Mr. Gamble, of Bungay, in Suffolk, had cow-pox in the casual way from milking. Seven years afterwards she became nurse to Yarmouth Hospital, where she caught smallpox, and died.
and 
. Elizabeth and John Nicholson, three years of age,were vaccinated at Battersea in the summer of 1804. Both contracted smallpox in May,1805 and died…
The child of Mr. R died of smallpox in October 1805. The patient had been vaccinated, and the parents were assured of its security. The vaccinator’s name was concealed.
The child of Mr. Hindsley at Mr. Adam’s office… died of smallpox a year after vaccination.
3. Ref
William Scott Tebb, MD, A Century of Vaccination and What It Teaches, Swan Sonnenschein & Co., London, 1898, p. 126.
William Scott Tebb, MD, A Century of Vaccination and What It Teaches, Swan Sonnenschein & Co., London, 1898, p. 126.
4.
Medical article after medical article pointed out clearly that exposure to cowpox providing lifelong immunity to smallpox was an unproven theory.
Medical article after medical article pointed out clearly that exposure to cowpox providing lifelong immunity to smallpox was an unproven theory.
5.
"The Medical Observer for 1810 contains particulars of 535 cases of smallpox after vaccination, 97 fatal cases, 150 cases of vaccine injuries, with the addresses of ten medical men, including two professors of anatomy, who had suffered in their own families from vaccination"
"The Medical Observer for 1810 contains particulars of 535 cases of smallpox after vaccination, 97 fatal cases, 150 cases of vaccine injuries, with the addresses of ten medical men, including two professors of anatomy, who had suffered in their own families from vaccination"
6.Ref
“Vaccination by Act of Parliament,” Westminster Review, vol. 131, 1889, p. 101.
“Vaccination by Act of Parliament,” Westminster Review, vol. 131, 1889, p. 101.
7.
An article in the 1817 London Medical Repository Monthly Journal and Review showed yet again that a great many people who had undergone vaccination were still suffering from smallpox.
An article in the 1817 London Medical Repository Monthly Journal and Review showed yet again that a great many people who had undergone vaccination were still suffering from smallpox.
8.
"Variola, above all, continues and spreads a devastating contagion. However painful, yet it is a duty we owe to the public and the profession, to apprize them,
"Variola, above all, continues and spreads a devastating contagion. However painful, yet it is a duty we owe to the public and the profession, to apprize them,
9.
that the number of all ranks suffering under Small Pox, who have previously undergone Vaccination by the most skilful practitioners, is at present alarmingly great.
that the number of all ranks suffering under Small Pox, who have previously undergone Vaccination by the most skilful practitioners, is at present alarmingly great.
10.
This subject is so serious, and so deeply involves the dearest interests of humanity, as well as those of the medical character, that we shall not fail in directing our utmost attention to it."
This subject is so serious, and so deeply involves the dearest interests of humanity, as well as those of the medical character, that we shall not fail in directing our utmost attention to it."
11. Ref
“Observations on Prevailing Diseases,” The London Medical Repository Monthly Journal and Review, vol. VIII, July–December 1817, p. 95.
“Observations on Prevailing Diseases,” The London Medical Repository Monthly Journal and Review, vol. VIII, July–December 1817, p. 95.
12.
In 1818 Thomas Brown, a surgeon with 30 years of experience in Musselburgh, Scotland, described how no one in the medical profession “could outstrip me in zeal for promoting vaccine practice.”
In 1818 Thomas Brown, a surgeon with 30 years of experience in Musselburgh, Scotland, described how no one in the medical profession “could outstrip me in zeal for promoting vaccine practice.”
13.
But after vaccinating 1,200 people and discovering that many still contracted and even died from smallpox, his conscience could no longer support vaccination.
But after vaccinating 1,200 people and discovering that many still contracted and even died from smallpox, his conscience could no longer support vaccination.
14.
"Experience showed that the natural smallpox have made their appearance, when the vaccine puncture had previously existed, surrounded with the areola of the most perfect appearance for more than two days, in the highest degree confluent, and followed by death.
"Experience showed that the natural smallpox have made their appearance, when the vaccine puncture had previously existed, surrounded with the areola of the most perfect appearance for more than two days, in the highest degree confluent, and followed by death.
15.
Smallpox pustules, too, existed within the very areola of the vaccine puncture… The accounts from all quarters of the world, wherever vaccination has been introduced…
Smallpox pustules, too, existed within the very areola of the vaccine puncture… The accounts from all quarters of the world, wherever vaccination has been introduced…
16.
the cases of failures are now increased to an alarming proportion; and from a fair and impartial examination appears, where the smallpox contagion has access to operate upon vaccinated cases of upwards of six years standing,
the cases of failures are now increased to an alarming proportion; and from a fair and impartial examination appears, where the smallpox contagion has access to operate upon vaccinated cases of upwards of six years standing,
17.
and the contagion applied in a concentrated and lasting form, nearly the whole of such cases will yield to the influence of the smallpox contagion."
and the contagion applied in a concentrated and lasting form, nearly the whole of such cases will yield to the influence of the smallpox contagion."
18.Ref
Thomas Brown, Surgeon Musselburgh, “On the Present State of Vaccination,” The Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, vol. 15, 1819, p. 67.
Thomas Brown, Surgeon Musselburgh, “On the Present State of Vaccination,” The Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal, vol. 15, 1819, p. 67.
19.
In the 1844 smallpox epidemic, about one-third of the vaccinated contracted a mild form of smallpox, but roughly 8 percent of those vaccinated still died, and nearly two-thirds had severe disease.
In the 1844 smallpox epidemic, about one-third of the vaccinated contracted a mild form of smallpox, but roughly 8 percent of those vaccinated still died, and nearly two-thirds had severe disease.
20.Ref
George Greogory, MD, “Brief Notices of the Variolous Epidemic of 1844,” Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society, January 28, 1845, p. 163.
George Greogory, MD, “Brief Notices of the Variolous Epidemic of 1844,” Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society, January 28, 1845, p. 163.
21.
Newspapers constantly reported deaths from smallpox in properly vaccinated citizens, as well as deaths from other conditions after vaccination. For example, a skin condition called erysipelas was a particularly prolonged and painful way to die.
Newspapers constantly reported deaths from smallpox in properly vaccinated citizens, as well as deaths from other conditions after vaccination. For example, a skin condition called erysipelas was a particularly prolonged and painful way to die.
22.
A girl, aged 4 months, died from erysipelas after vaccination.
Ref: Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper, June 10, 1860
A girl, aged 4 months, died from erysipelas after vaccination.
Ref: Lloyd’s Weekly Newspaper, June 10, 1860
23.
8 deaths were tabulated under smallpox, of which two attributed to “erysipelas after vaccination,” and one to “effects of vaccination"
Ref: Glasgow Herald, December 14, 1870.
8 deaths were tabulated under smallpox, of which two attributed to “erysipelas after vaccination,” and one to “effects of vaccination"
Ref: Glasgow Herald, December 14, 1870.
24.
Two children, both of the age of six months, died from erysipelas after vaccination. In one case the erysipelas commenced a fortnight after the operation.
Ref: The Morning Chronicle, October 23, 1861.
Two children, both of the age of six months, died from erysipelas after vaccination. In one case the erysipelas commenced a fortnight after the operation.
Ref: The Morning Chronicle, October 23, 1861.
25.
One child, Elizabeth Sabin, 4 years of age, with six good marks of successful vaccination, caught smallpox and three weeks and three days after being vaccinated, and died. Her case was excluded from the list of the vaccinated in Dr. Bond’s statistics.
One child, Elizabeth Sabin, 4 years of age, with six good marks of successful vaccination, caught smallpox and three weeks and three days after being vaccinated, and died. Her case was excluded from the list of the vaccinated in Dr. Bond’s statistics.
26.
Statistics cooked in that way could not be accepted as accurate. He remembered a case in Birmingham where a man named William Wood Warner died of malignant smallpox in eight days,
Statistics cooked in that way could not be accepted as accurate. He remembered a case in Birmingham where a man named William Wood Warner died of malignant smallpox in eight days,
27.
and was classified by the doctor of the hospital as unvaccinated. By the merest of chance he found out from the man’s widow and sister that the latter had seen him vaccinated.
and was classified by the doctor of the hospital as unvaccinated. By the merest of chance he found out from the man’s widow and sister that the latter had seen him vaccinated.
28. Ref
Noel A. Humphries, “English Vaccination and SmallPox Statistics, with Special Reference to the Report of the Royal Commission, and to Recent SmallPox Epidemics,” Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, September 1897, p. 545.
Noel A. Humphries, “English Vaccination and SmallPox Statistics, with Special Reference to the Report of the Royal Commission, and to Recent SmallPox Epidemics,” Journal of the Royal Statistical Society, September 1897, p. 545.
29.
In 1840, as doctors and citizens realized that vaccination was not what it was promised to be, vaccine refusals increased.
Governments passed various laws to force people to be vaccinated.
Vaccination was made compulsory in England in 1853, with stricter laws passed in 1867.
In 1840, as doctors and citizens realized that vaccination was not what it was promised to be, vaccine refusals increased.
Governments passed various laws to force people to be vaccinated.
Vaccination was made compulsory in England in 1853, with stricter laws passed in 1867.
30.
Prussia was the best revaccinated country in Europe, its mortality from smallpox in the epidemic of 1871 was higher (59,839) than in any other northern state.
Prussia was the best revaccinated country in Europe, its mortality from smallpox in the epidemic of 1871 was higher (59,839) than in any other northern state.
31. Ref
Encyclopedia Britannica, 1888.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 1888.
