Kate Womersley

Even after a vaccine, smallpox took two centuries to eradicate

Medical breakthroughs depend on overcoming prejudice as much as on scientific research, as two new books on the smallpox pandemic demonstrate

‘The COW POCK — or — the Wonderful Effects of the New Inoculation!’ Gillray cartoon on vaccination against smallpox using cowpox serum, 1802. Getty Images

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Get a free bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label when you subscribe to The Spectator for just £12 in our Black Friday sale

  • Free bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky, worth £30
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Comments

Black Friday sale: Get 10 weeks for just $1

Unlimited access to the The Spectator, online and via the app

Already a subscriber? Log in