[101] Baron’s Life of Jenner, vol. i. p. 154.
[102] Ibid. p. 155.
[103] Baron’s Life of Jenner, vol. i. p. 159.
[104] Born at Rotherham, 1751. Graduated M.D., Edinburgh, and practised at Doncaster until 1784, when he removed to London. Died at his house in Hanover Square from a fall down stairs, 9th November, 1828.
[CHAPTER IV.]
PEARSON’S INQUIRY.
Dr. Pearson’s Inquiry concerning the History of the Cowpox[105] is a remarkable proof of the alacrity and energy with which Jenner’s project was entertained. As observed, Jenner’s Inquiry was published at the end of June, 1798, and ere six months were over, in November, 1798, appeared Pearson’s Inquiry, a masterly review of Jenner’s; and not only a review, but a record of investigation, personal and by correspondence with country physicians and farmers; the entire work displaying a capacity for business to which Jenner was wholly unequal.
Cowpox did not come before Pearson as a novelty, nor Jenner in connection therewith. He relates—
When I was in company with the late Mr. John Hunter, about nine years ago, I heard him communicate the information he had received from Dr. Jenner, that in Gloucestershire an infectious disorder frequently prevailed among the milch cows, named the Cowpox, in which there was an eruption on their teats; that those who milked such cows were liable to be affected with pustulous eruptions on their hands, which were also called the cowpox; that such persons as had undergone this DISEASE COULD NOT BE INFECTED BY THE VARIOLOUS POISON; and that as no patient had been known to die of the Cowpox, the practice of the inoculation of the poison of this disease, to supersede the Smallpox, might be found, on experience, to be a great improvement in physic.