Edward Jenner was born May 17, 1749, a time when great changes were occurring. During his childhood, Jenner witnessed many wars fought over land, trading routes, and colonies. The Age of Reason, a period when people used scientific questioning and logics to challenge traditions and beliefs followed shortly after those wars. Edward Jenner also had the privilege of seeing scientists, such as Benjamin Franklin, performing their experiments.

Born into a family of nine children, Jenner had many chores to do and his parents were constantly busy. His father had church duties and his mother had to take care of the children. When Jenner turned five, his parents died shortly after one another. Edward's elder brother, Stephen, took responsibility and it is believed he taught Jenner how to read and write. Then, when he turned seven, Jenner was enrolled in a private school, where he studied Greek and Latin. Jenner was...