A Milkmaid’s Immunity
In 1796, English physician Edward Jenner observed Sarah Nelmes, a milkmaid whose skin was free from the blistering sores of smallpox, except for a few cowpox lesions on her hands. Jenner hypothesized that cowpox, a milder disease, might protect against smallpox. Acting on this theory, he took pus from Sarah’s lesions and inoculated an 8-year-old boy, James Phipps.
A Revolutionary Discovery
Days later, Jenner exposed James to smallpox. Remarkably, the boy remained healthy, confirming Jenner’s theory. This bold experiment marked the beginning of vaccination, a term derived from the Latin word “vacca,” meaning cow. Jenner’s method eventually led to the eradication of smallpox, the first disease to be conquered by human medicine.
Unanswered Questions
Despite Jenner’s success, modern scientists have discovered that the original vaccine virus may not have been cowpox at all. Recent studies suggest it could have been horsepox, raising questions about the true origins of this groundbreaking medical tool. The mystery remains, but Jenner’s daring experiment forever changed the course of medicine.
The Unsolved Mystery of the First Vaccine đź’‰
A Milkmaid’s Immunity
In 1796, English physician Edward Jenner observed Sarah Nelmes, a milkmaid whose skin was free from the blistering sores of smallpox, except for a few cowpox lesions on her hands. Jenner hypothesized that cowpox,… pic.twitter.com/Q6Ia5FiYwZ— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TBBOB2) September 12, 2024