sequestered paths of life, the valley, and not the mountain; shall I,
now my evening is fast approaching, hold myself up as an object for
fortune and for fame? Admitting it as a certainty that I obtain both,
what stock should I add to my little fund of happiness? My fortune, with
what flows in from my profession, is sufficient to gratify my wishes;
indeed, so limited is my ambition, and that of my nearest connections,
that even were I precluded from future practice I should be enabled to
satisfy all my wants. As for fame, what is it? A gilded butt, forever
pierced with the arrows of malignancy."
That a discovery of such importance to mankind, once divulged, should
bring forth many claimants, and that its author should be subjected to
virulent attacks, is easy to be conceived. Jenner, however, never
thought it necessary to reply to unfounded and harsh aspersions,
satisfied in the strength of his own case, and feeling the justice and
truth of his own claims and position. The practice being now
established, it is unnecessary even to refer to the names of the
opponents of vaccination. Many mistakes, and some of a serious nature,
occurred to interrupt the progress of the discovery; these had been for
the most part foreseen by Jenner, and were satisfactorily explained. In
a letter to a friend, Jenner says, "I will just drop a hint. The vaccine
disease, in my opinion, is not a preventive of the smallpox, but the
smallpox itself; that is to say, the horrible form under which the
disease appears in its contagious state is, as I conceive, a malignant
variety." Again: "What I have said on this vaccine subject is true. If
properly conducted, it secures the constitution as much as variolous
inoculation possibly can. It is the smallpox in a purer form than that
which has been current among us for twelve centuries past." And, in a
letter to Mr. Pruen, "I have ever considered the variola and the vaccine
radically and essentially the same. As the inoculation of the former has
been known to fail, in instances so numerous, it would be very
extraordinary if the latter should always be exempt from failure. It
would tend to invalidate my early doctrine on this point."
It is not necessary here to dwell upon the fatality of the smallpox when
taken in the natural way, or to show that the mortality has been
increased by the practice of inoculation, which creates an atmosphere
for the constant propagation of the disease; these have been
satisfactorily demonstrated in evidence before the House of Commons, and
anyone may readily obtain this information. It is, however, interesting
to record the names of those who, abandoning all prejudice and
solicitous to promote a general good, submitted to the practice at its
earliest period. Mr. Henry Hicks was the first to submit his own
children to the vaccination. Lady Frances Morton (Lady Ducie) was the
first personage of rank who had her child, and her only child,
vaccinated. The Countess of Berkeley was instrumental in forwarding it;
and the children of King William IV were vaccinated by Mr. Knight.
Jenner's discovery entailed upon him a most extensive correspondence,
and obliged him frequently to travel in London. His professional
engagements were not only interrupted, but almost annihilated, and his
private fortune encroached upon by such circumstances. His friends urged
an application to Parliament. A petition to Parliament was presented on
March 17, 1802, and Mr. Addington--later, Lord Sidmouth--informed the
House that he had taken the King's pleasure on the contents of the
petition and that His Majesty recommended it strongly to the
consideration of Parliament. A committee was appointed, of which Admiral
Berkeley was the chairman. A great mass of evidence was brought forward,
and many professional and other persons examined. The Duke of Clarence
gave his testimony, and manifested strongly his conviction of the
prophylactic powers of the vaccine disease. Much opposition was offered
to the claims of Jenner. He felt this deeply, and in a letter to his
friend Mr. Hicks, dated April 28, 1802, he writes: "I sometimes wish
this business had never been brought forward. It makes me feel indignant
to reflect that one who has, through a most painful and laborious
investigation, brought to light a subject that will add to the happiness
of every human being in the world, should appear among his countrymen as
a supplicant for the means of obtaining a few comforts for himself and
family."
The committee reported, and the House voted ten thousand pounds to
Doctor Jenner. An amendment, proposing twenty thousand pounds, was lost
by a majority of three! Sir Gilbert Blane, Doctor Lettsom, and others,
feeling the utter inadequacy of this reward to the merits of the case,
proposed to raise a fund by public subscription; but it was not carried
into effect.
The Royal Jennerian Society was established in 1803, and had the King
for the patron, the Queen for the patroness, and various members of the
royal family and nobility for its supporters. The design of the
institution was to vaccinate the poor gratuitously, and supply virus to
all parts of the world. It effected great good, and reduced the number
of deaths by smallpox in a very remarkable degree. But dissensions
sprang up, chiefly through the conduct of the resident inoculator
recommending practices contrary to the printed regulations of the
society, and it was virtually dissolved in 1806.
Lord Henry Petty--later, Marquis of Lansdowne--was the chancellor of the
exchequer in 1806, and on July 2d brought the subject of vaccination
again before the House of Parliament. Upon this, the College of
Physicians was directed to make inquiry into its state and condition,
and a report was made on April 19, 1807. The report was highly
satisfactory as to the advantages of the practice. On July 29th the
Right Honorable Spencer Perceval,[47] being then chancellor of
exchequer, called the attention of the House to it, and moved an
additional grant of ten thousand pounds, when an amendment to double the
sum was proposed by Mr. Edward Morris, M.P. for Newport, in Cornwall,
and carried by a majority of thirteen. In 1808 the "National Vaccine
Establishment" was formed, where the practice of vaccination and the
supply of lymph has ever since been continued.
Foreign academies and societies enrolled Doctor Jenner in the lists of
their associates, and the medical societies of his own country were not
less anxious to adorn their roster with his name. In 1808 he was elected
a corresponding member of the National Institute, and in 1811 was chosen
an associate, in place of Doctor Mackelyne, deceased. The Empress
Dowager of Russia sent him a diamond ring, accompanied by a letter in
testimony of her admiration of vaccination. She had the first child
vaccinated in Russia named "Vaccinoff," and fixed a pension upon it for
life. The Medical Society of London presented him with a gold medal; the
Physical Society of Guy's Hospital instituted a new order of members,
under the title of "Honorary Associates," and named Jenner for the
first; the nobility and gentry of Gloucestershire presented him with a
handsome gold cup; and various other marks of consideration were
bestowed upon him as testimonies to the benefits he had conferred upon
mankind. He was chosen mayor of his native town; received the freedom of
the corporation of Dublin; the freedom of the city of Edinburgh; and
elected an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of that
city. In 1813 the University of Oxford granted him a degree of Doctor in
Physic, by a decree of the convocation. The diploma was presented him by
Sir C. Pegge and Doctor Kidd, the professors of anatomy and chemistry.
On this occasion--and a similar honor had not been conferred by the
university on any man for nearly seventy years before--Doctor Jenner
observed, "It is remarkable that I should have been the only one of a
long line of ancestors and relations who was not educated at Oxford.
They were determined to turn me into the meadows, instead of allowing me
to flourish in the groves of Academus. It is better, perhaps, as it is,
especially as I have arrived at your highest honors without complying
with your ordinary rules of discipline." The conduct of the London
College of Physicians, it is painful to remark, was not characterized by
such liberality. The majority of the fellows refused to admit him
without the usual examination. Many of the fellows were anxious upon
the subject, but their wishes did not prevail.
The commander-in-chief of the army, upon the recommendation of the Army
Medical Board and the Lords of the Admiralty, recommended the adoption
of vaccination in the army and navy, and the naval physicians and
surgeons presented a gold medal to Jenner for his discovery. The
practice extended itself through France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia,
and the United States. In the East, it overcame even the scruples of the
Hindu and the Chinese. The writer of this memoir, by the kindness of Sir
George Staunton, is in possession of a treatise on vaccination drawn up
by Mr. Pearson and translated by Sir George into the Chinese language.
It was of great use in encouraging the natives to the adoption of the
salutary practice. The King of Prussia submitted his own children to
vaccination. He was the first monarch to do so.
On September 13, 1815, Doctor Jenner lost his wife. He retired to
Berkeley, and thereafter lived in retirement. He died January 26, 1823,
in the seventy-fourth year of his age, and was buried on February 3d in
the chancel of the parish church of Berkeley.
FOOTNOTES:
[47] Two years later Perceval was premier (1809-1812) and he was
assassinated in the lobby of the House of Commons, May 11, 1812.--ED.
CHRONOLOGY OF UNIVERSAL HISTORY
EMBRACING THE PERIOD COVERED IN THIS VOLUME
A.D. 1775-1799
JOHN RUDD, LL.D.
Events treated at length are here indicated in large type; the numerals
following give volume and page.
Separate chronologies of the various nations, and of the careers of
famous persons, will be found in the INDEX VOLUME, with volume and page
references showing where the several events are fully treated.
A.D.
1775. Burke speaks for conciliation with America; Lord Effingham resigns
his military command rather than fight against the colonists of America.
Beginning of the American Revolution: "BATTLE OF LEXINGTON." See xiv, 1.
Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point surprised by Ethan Allen.
"BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL." See xiv, 19.
Washington appointed Commander-in-Chief by the Continental Congress.
Montgomery slain in an attack on Quebec. See "CANADA REMAINS LOYAL TO
ENGLAND," xiv, 30.
All intercourse between the American colonists and Denmark interdicted
by its King, Christian VII.
1776. General Howe evacuates Boston, March 17th. British repulse at
Charleston by Colonel Moultrie.
Declaration of Independence adopted by the Continental Congress, July
4th. See "SIGNING OF AMERICAN DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE," xiv, 39.
Battle of Long Island; defeat of the Americans. New York occupied by the
British. Howe defeats the Americans at White Plains. Fort Washington
taken by the British November 16th. Washington successfully surprises
the Hessians at Trenton, December 26th.
Riots in England to destroy machinery.
Publication in England of the first volume of Gibbon's _Decline and Fall
of the Roman Empire_.
1777. Washington defeats Cornwallis at Princeton, January 3d. The
British burn Danbury. Ticonderoga captured by Burgoyne. Battles of
Brandywine and Germantown; defeat of the Americans. Lafayette and
Steuben arrive in America.
"DEFEAT OF BURGOYNE AT SARATOGA." See xiv, 51.
Division of the Crim Tartars into two distinct parties, the Russian and
Turkish.
Execution in England of Dr. Dodd for forgery.
Austria annexes Bukowina.
1778. France recognizes the independence of the United States and forms
an alliance with them. Evacuation of Philadelphia by the British. A
French fleet and army arrive in America to aid the United States.
Savannah captured by the British. Massacre of Wyoming. Congress refuses
to treat with the British commissioners.
Beginning of the War of the Bavarian Succession.
Cook discovers the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands.
France declares war against England.
1779. Battle of Brier Creek; defeat of the Americans. Stony Point
stormed by the Americans under Wayne.
Paul Jones gains a naval victory off the English coast; see "FIRST
VICTORY OF THE AMERICAN NAVY," xiv, 68.
Repulse by the British of the Americans and French at Savannah.
Spain declares war against England; Gibraltar invested by the French and
Spanish fleets.
1780. Siege and capture of Charleston by the British. First Battle of
Camden; defeat of the Americans. Treachery of Arnold, who agrees to
deliver West Point to the British. Execution of Major Andre. Victory of
the Americans at King's Mountain.
Gordon "No Popery" riots in England.
England declares war against Holland for allowing Paul Jones to take his
prizes into her harbors.
Revolt of Tupac Amaru in Peru.
"JOSEPH II ATTEMPTS REFORMS IN HUNGARY." See xiv, 85.
1781. Battles of the Cowpens and Guilford Court House; defeat of the
British. British victory at Hobkirk's Hill. Eutaw Springs the scene of a
drawn battle. Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown. See "SIEGE AND
SURRENDER OF YORKTOWN," xiv, 97.
Arnold burns New London and captures Fort Griswold.
Completion of the ratification of the Articles of Confederation by the
States of the Union.
Continuation of the siege of Gibraltar by the French and Spanish.
Institution of the first Sunday-school at Gloucester, England, by Robert
Raikes.
1782. Evacuation by the British of Savannah and Charleston.
A preliminary treaty of peace between the United States and Great
Britain signed by John Adams, Franklin, Jay, and Laurens. See "CLOSE OF
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION," xiv, 137.
Great naval victory of the British admiral, Rodney, over the French, in
the West Indies.
Tippoo Sahib, in Mysore, succeeds his father, Hyder Ali.
Grattan secures the independence of the Irish Parliament.
"BRITISH DEFENCE OF GIBRALTAR." See xiv, 116.
1783. Peace of Paris between the United States and Great Britain.
New York evacuated by the British.
Peace of Versailles between Britain, France, and Spain.
Catharine II seizes the Crimea for Russia.
Many colonists of America settle in Canada on conclusion of the war. See
"SETTLEMENT OF AMERICAN LOYALISTS IN CANADA," xiv, 156.
Perfidious massacre of Tartars by Potemkin, Russian general and first
favorite of Catharine II.
A patent granted to Henry Johnson and John Walter of the _Times_ for
stereotype or logographic printing.
"FIRST BALLOON ASCENSION." See xiv, 163.
1784. Treaty of peace between England and Holland.
Founding of the first daily newspaper in America, at Philadelphia.
The scandal of the Diamond Necklace in France.
In Ireland the Peep-o'-Day Boys make their appearance.
Iceland for nearly twelve months desolated by an irruption of Hecla.
1785. Negotiations between the United States and Spain for free
navigation of the Mississippi.
John Adams, first minister of the United States to England, received by
the King.
Establishment of the Philippine Company in Spain.
John Howard, English philanthropist, sets out on his travels to visit
the plague hospitals.
La Perouse, French Admiral, proceeds to explore the Northern Pacific.
1786. A negro colony sent from London to found the settlement of Sierra
Leone.
Outbreak of Shay's revolt in Massachusetts.
Impeachment of Warren Hastings, England, for peculation in India.
Galvani makes electrical discoveries.
1787. "FRAMING OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES." See xiv, 173.
Civil liberty taught in France by Lafayette and his companions in
America, leads to the French Revolution.
Shay's rebellion repressed. Congress undertakes the government of the
Northwest Territory.
Wedgwood manufactures his imitations of Etruscan ware.
Swedenborg's New Jerusalem Church founded.
1788. Revolution in the Austrian Netherlands provinces.
Ratification in eleven of the states of the Constitution of the United
States. Founding of Cincinnati. The members of the Society of Friends in
Philadelphia emancipate their slaves.
Mental derangement of George III of England. A penal settlement formed
by the English in Australia.
Louis XVI of France appoints Necker chief minister. New Assembly of
Notables; the Third Estate admitted, numbering one-half.
War against Russia declared by Sweden.
1789. Washington elected President of the United States. The first
Congress under the Constitution supersedes the Continental Congress.
Inauguration of Washington at New York, April 30. See "INAUGURATION OF
WASHINGTON: HIS FAREWELL ADDRESS," xiv, 197.
War in India between the English and Tippoo Sahib.
A Roman Catholic episcopal see erected at Baltimore, the first in the
United States.
Battle of Fokshani; defeat of the Turks by the Austrians and Russians.
Meeting of the States-General of France; power is seized by the Third
Estate. See "FRENCH REVOLUTION: STORMING OF THE BASTILLE," xiv, 212.
Mutiny of the Bounty, English ship.
1790. Philadelphia becomes the seat of government of the United States.
Harmar makes an unsuccessful expedition against the Indians of the
Northwest Territory.
First issue of French Assignats.
Declaration of independence by the Belgian provinces; Congress of
Brussels convened.
1791. "ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNITED STATES BANK." See xiv, 230.
Vermont admitted into the Union. Defeat of St. Clair by the Miamis.
Passage of the constitutional act of Canada dividing it into Upper and
Lower Canada.
Buckle-makers of England petition Parliament against the use of
shoe-strings.
Guillotin introduces the machine for decapitation, bearing his name.
"NEGRO REVOLUTION IN HAITI." See xiv, 236.
Flight of the French royal family; they are stopped at Varennes and
taken back to Paris. Insurrections in La Vendee and Brittany; massacres
at Avignon, Marseilles, and Aix.
A new constitution adopted by the King and Diet of Poland, which gives
offence to Catharine of Russia.
Hungary secures constitutional liberties from Leopold II; the rights of
Protestants sanctioned.
1792. Washington reelected President of the United States. The national
mint established at Philadelphia. Admission of Kentucky into the Union.
Confiscation of the property of the French _Emigres_; a Girondist
ministry formed by Louis XVI; he is compelled to declare war against
Austria and Prussia. See "REPUBLICAN FRANCE DEFIES EUROPE: BATTLE OF
VALMY," xiv, 252.
1793. Congress passes the first fugitive-slave law of the United States.
Washington begins his second administration.
"INVENTION OF THE COTTON-GIN." See xiv, 271.
"EXECUTION OF LOUIS XVI: MURDER OF MARAT: CIVIL WAR IN FRANCE." See xiv,
295.
Toulon retaken by the French from the English; Napoleon Bonaparte
commands the French artillery.
Further partition of Poland; the western portion annexed by Prussia; she
also seizes Dantzic, a free city; Russia takes the more eastern
provinces.
Volta makes known his galvanic battery.
1794. Battle of Maumee Rapids; the power of the Miamis broken by General
Wayne. The great Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania. Jay arranges a
treaty with Great Britain.
Climax of the Reign of Terror in France; fall and death of Danton;
Robespierre and the Jacobin Club both fall. See "THE REIGN OF TERROR,"
xiv, 311.
Victory of the English, under Lord Howe, over the French fleet.
"DOWNFALL OF POLAND." See xiv, 330.
Trial in England of Hardy, Horne Tooke, and others for constructive high
treason.
1795. Sale of the Western Reserve (in Ohio) of Connecticut.
Holland completely conquered by the French; insurrection in Paris by the
bourgeois against the Convention; the Constitution of the year 111
adopted; Bonaparte crushes the insurrection of Vendemiaire; government
of the Directory.
Formation of the Orange Society in Ireland.
Third partition of Poland.
1796. Tennessee admitted into the Union. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
elected President and Vice-President of the United States. Publication
of Washington's Farewell Address.
Bonaparte given command of the French in Italy; Sardinia submits; the
Austrians driven from Lombardy; the Cispadane Republic formed.
Unsuccessful attempt of the French on Ireland.
"RISE OF NAPOLEON: FRENCH CONQUEST OF ITALY." See xiv, 339.
Ceylon taken from the Dutch by the English.
Alliance of France with Tippoo Sahib and Spain against England.
1797. Difficulties between the United States and France nearly lead to
war.
Suspension of specie payments in England; naval victories of the
British, Cape Vincent, over the Spaniards, and of Camperdown, over the
Dutch.
1798. Passage in the United States of the Alien and Sedition laws.
"OVERTHROW OF THE MAMELUKES: THE BATTLE OF THE NILE." See xiv, 353.
Imprisonment of the pope and formation of the Roman republic by the
French; the Helvetian republic founded by them.
"JENNER INTRODUCES VACCINATION." See xiv, 363.
Gas-lights introduced by Watt and Boulton.
1798. English expedition against Holland; capture of the Dutch fleet.
Mysore taken by the English; death of Tippoo Sahib.
Sugar first extracted from the beet-root by Achard.
"THE GREAT IRISH REBELLION." See xv, 1.
Count Rumford discovers that heat is a mode of motion.
Greathead, England, invents the lifeboat.
Gradual emancipation of negroes in New York.
1799. Advance into Syria by Napoleon; repulsed from Acre; victorious
over the Turks at Abukir; he reembarks for France; Kleber left in
command in Egypt.
Napoleon, Sieyes, and Fouche effect a change of government in France;
military force used; Napoleon first consul.