Edward Jenner

The deviation of the Cow Pox from its true character appears to be very frequent; and when it does appear, it is, as far as I have seen, uniformly in the following manner: The vesicle, instead of being pellucid, and having a circular form, with its edges a little elevated, becomes of an opaque white, and its edges are more depressed than its centre, so that it resembles a small pearl. Sometimes it is surrounded by an erysipelatous inflammation.

It is not, that I am an enemy to the practice of inoculation; on the contrary, I am a warm friend to it, and have been so for many years. But I am convinced, that the present mode of conducting it is attended with many disadvantages, and that it may be rendered much more safe and efficacious.

The cow-pox is a mild disease, and never fatal; the small-pox is a formidable one, and often fatal. The cow-pox is not infectious; the small-pox is highly so.

I shall not, I presume, be thought presumptuous in declaring, that the Cow Pox is the most efficacious, and the most safe, of all the methods that have been yet discovered, for eradicating the Small Pox.

It is a fact well known to many, that persons who have had the Cow Pox, are for ever after secure from the infection of the Small Pox.

The disease has hitherto been confined to particular districts; and it has been observed, that where the Cow Pox has prevailed, the Small Pox has been much less frequent, and much less fatal.

The most curious circumstance attending this disease, is, that the matter taken from the pock of a Cow, and inserted into the skin of a human being, will produce a disease in that human being, which will protect him from the Small Pox.

I shall not attempt to give a detail of all the cases that have come under my observation, but shall select a few of the most striking, and such as will, I trust, be sufficient to convince the candid mind, that the facts I have stated are true.

It is a fortunate circumstance, that the Cow Pox is not infectious; for if it were, it would be a source of great alarm.

The Cow Pox, when it has once taken place, is a security against the Small Pox for life.

It is a pity that the practice of inoculation has not been more generally adopted; for if it had, many lives might have been saved.

The most beautiful part of the human frame is the eye; and yet it is the most liable to disease.

I have been so much engaged in making experiments, that I have had no time to write letters.

The path of discovery is not a smooth one; it is often beset with difficulties and discouragements.

My mind is so completely absorbed in this subject, that I can think of nothing else.

The most pleasing part of my life has been spent in the pursuit of knowledge.

It is the lot of man to suffer; but it is also his lot to alleviate the sufferings of others.

I have often reflected, with a degree of wonder, on the slow progress of human knowledge.

The most important discoveries have often been made by accident.

I have always been an advocate for public health, and I have always endeavoured to promote it.