A letter to the right honourable the Earl of Liverpool, concerning the present state of vaccination : and pointing out the urgent necessity of an immediate investigation, in order to secure the safety and comfort of th public.

  • Brown, Thomas, 1778-1820.
Date:
1823
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A letter to the right honourable the Earl of Liverpool, concerning the present state of vaccination : and pointing out the urgent necessity of an immediate investigation, in order to secure the safety and comfort of th public. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library at Yale University.

    11/52 (page 7)
    1808, when such a variety of proof occurred in my practice, which it was impossible for me to resist; and I considered it my duty, to lay that proof, and the conclusions which it naturally sug- gested, before the public. When I determined, my Lord, to publish my sentiments, I was fully aware of the contempti- ble state of those who had hitherto opposed Vac- cination, and shuddered at the danger of being classed amongst them; but the proof appeared to me so clear, and decisive, I determined to risk every species of detraction; and I think, my Lord, after having undergone so severe an or- deal, you will readily allow, I have a full claim to whatever credit or reputation can now be ob- tained, from every opinion I then took the liber- ty of offering for their consideration, being con- firmed to the very letter, and that twelve years have nearly elapsed, before my professional op- ponents saw and confessed their errors. I am now however ready, my Lord, to consign to oblivion the conduct of Vaccinists and Anti- Vaccinists; and I trust, that as truth and the public safety, ought to be our only aim, the whole medical profession will now cheerfully come forward, and assist in obtaining an inquiry, the result of which shall satisfy all concerned. It is not my intention to harass your Lordship, with any thing like a medical inquiry, or to tease you with a minute description of the merits of Vaccination, but to offer for your Lordship's most serious consideration, certain important de- fects which now attach to the Jennerian discove- a 2