In the late nineteenth century and throughout most of the twentieth century, the new science of immunology enjoyed a golden age of discovery, highlighted by many dramatic breakthroughs and successes. This occurred in large part as a result of Pasteur's incredible accomplishments from the 1850s to the 1880s. He eventually completely won over those scientists skeptical of the use of vaccination for diseases other than smallpox. The days when researchers like Jenner and Pasteur had to spend much of their time defending their work were thankfully over. All members of the scientific community were now united in the belief that it might indeed be possible to eradicate many dreaded diseases.

As a result, governments and universities began encouraging and providing funds for new research. And immunology quickly expanded, as many medical researchers devoted their lives to the study of immunity and vaccines...