smallpox innoculation (1 gen 1721 anni – 1 gen 1760 anni)

Descrizione:

The smallpox inoculation was an important advancement in the history of medicine, and it also sparked controversy and debate. Smallpox had significantly affected the colonies, and there were multiple outbreaks throughout the 18th century. According to John B. Blake's "The Inoculation Controversy in Boston", the smallpox inoculation was first introduced to the colonies in 1721, but it was met with backlash. The public was fairly resistant to the idea of vaccination, as they were uncomfortable and unfamiliar with the idea of introducing disease into their body. Furthermore, religion played an important role in this backlash, as individuals sometimes felt that the vaccination was interfering with the divine order.

There were various key players in the discussion of smallpox inoculation. For instance, Cotton Mather was an important figure who advocated for inoculation. As an enslaver, he took notice of African healing methods, one of which was inoculation. One of his slaves described to him the common African practice of scraping the pus of a smallpox victim onto an individual's arm to provide them with immunity. William Douglass also played an important role in this debate, as he described both the benefits and dangers of inoculation. Initially pessimistic about inoculation, he recognized that while inoculation can spread disease, these symptoms are less severe than actually contracting smallpox. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of authority, suggesting that it should be professionals who inoculate individuals. Boylston is also significant, as he is a strong proponent for inoculation, which is seen in the fact that he inoculated his own family. Another important point to consider regarding smallpox inoculation is its relation to minority groups, like Native Americans who were left out of the debate.

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