This section contains 352 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
The Scourge.
Smallpox was a deadly fact of life in early America, just as it had been in Europe for centuries. It came to the United States among the first settlers— and every ship that visited from Europe or the West Indies had the potential for starting another epidemic. Little was known about the disease, and nothing could be done about it except to fast and pray: smallpox was God's punishment.
Early Immunization.
One fact about smallpox was understood: people who contracted the disease and survived were thereafter immune to it. A crude method of inoculation had developed (possibly in India or Africa) but was rarely used in Europe: inject a healthy person with the smallpox matter taken from the sore of a person suffering a mild case, producing another mild case and lifetime immunity. But, as can be easily imagined, the idea of exposing a healthy...
This section contains 352 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |