In London it has been the general custom for those who intend to inoculate, to take into account all the circumstances that may be material for the conveniency of their families and friends, and these being settled to their minds, few precautions are thought necessary respecting the security of others: what passes previous to the eruptive fever, does not claim our consideration, since it is universally allowed that no infection can be communicated before that time; but it is after this period the danger begins, and the disease may be spread by the intercourse of visitants, trades people, washerwomen, servants, and others, and in a mild state of the disease, the frequent excursions of the sick by way of airings, and often in hired carriages of various kinds, contribute greatly towards spreading the infection. It would perhaps be deemed a designed omission, if the inoculators were not also supposed to be of the number of those that contribute to spread the disease.
When all these circumstances are duly considered, surely it will be allowed, that the Small Pox is frequently caught from the inoculated; and let it be remembered, that whoever takes the disease from an inoculated patient, has himself the natural Small Pox, with all the circumstances of danger in respect to his own life, and of spreading the contagion to others.
I know it has been said, and even publicly declared, that the Small Pox from Inoculation is so mild, as scarcely to be infectious to others; but if this was true, how comes it that matter, taken from inoculated patients, conveys the distemper with equal certainty, as if it was taken from the natural Small Pox? is it not morally certain, that the effluvia partake of the same infectious quality? No physician of any experience, I am sure, will ever countenance such an opinion. But lest it should prevail, and do mischief among the ignorant and credulous, I think it incumbent on me to contradict so dangerous and unwarrantable an assertion.
In fact, it is certain that the Small Pox is infectious, in proportion to the number and malignity of the pustules; so far there is usually less danger from the artificial disease, than from the natural. But let not this presumption make any one remit their care, or abate their concern for the community; for I can assert from my own knowledge, that[[3]] many fatal instances have happened from the disease having been spread by the inoculated.
[3]. Vide note page 9.
Having considered the subject as fully as I am able, it shall be left to the consideration of the public without any comment; only entreating every family that may inoculate, to be extremely careful, and use every possible precaution to prevent spreading the infection during the illness, and to be also particularly attentive, that all furniture and cloaths be well aired. The persons concerned in inoculating should, on their parts, take great care that they do not contribute to the mischief.
If strict attention is paid to these particulars, it may be reasonably hoped, that the only remaining objection to the practice of Inoculation in London among persons of condition, may be much weakened, if not entirely removed.