THE SMALLPOX SAGA AND THE ORIGIN(S) OF VACCINATION

Two hundred years ago - in May 1796 - Edward Jenner carried out a pion eering feat in the history of 'clinical investigation' which not only paved the way for the eventual elimination of one of the world's most terrifying infections (variola), but also heralded widespread vaccinat ion campaigns and the foundation of the discipline of clinical immunol ogy. Vaccination superseded the formerly used technique of variolation which had been introduced into England by Lady Mary Wortley Montague. Under-recognised is the fact that the first clinical trial(s) of this new development were carried out under the supervision of William Woo dville at the St Pancras Smallpox Hospital (situated at Battle Bridge - now King's Cross); this work was crucially important in the 'vaccina tion saga' and deserves far greater acceptance than is currently the c ase.