From the preceding observations on the matter of smallpox when
decomposed it must, I conceive, be admitted that cow-pox matter
in the state now described may produce a disease, the effects of
which may be felt both locally and generally, yet that the
disease thus induced may not be effectual in obviating the future
effects of variolous contagion. In the case of Mary Miller,
related by Mr. Kite in the volume above alluded to, it appears
that the inflammation and suppuration of the inoculated arm were
more than usually severe, although the system underwent no
specific change from the action of the virus; which appears from
the patient's sickening seven weeks afterwards with the natural
smallpox, which went through its course. Some of the cases
communicated by Mr. Earle tend further to confirm this fact, as
the matter there manifestly produced ulceration on the inoculated
part to a considerable extent.
Fourthly. Whether the cow-pox is a spontaneous disease in the
cow, or is to be attributed to matter conveyed to the animal, as
I have conceived, from the horse, is a question which, though I
shall not attempt now fully to discuss, yet I shall digress so
far as to adduce some further observations, and to give my
reasons more at large for taking up an opinion that to some had
appeared fanciful. The aggregate of these observations, though
not amounting to positive proof, forms presumptive evidence of so
forcible a kind that I imagine it might, on any other person,
have made the same impression it did on me, without fixing the
imputation of credulity.
First: I conceived this was the source, from observing that where
the cow-pox had appeared among the dairies here (unless it could
be traced to the introduction of an infected cow or servant) it
had been preceded at the farm by a horse diseased in the manner
already described, which horse had been attended by some of the
milkers.
Secondly: From its being a popular opinion throughout this great
dairy country, and from its being insisted on by those who here
attend sick cattle.
Thirdly: From the total absence of the disease in Ireland and
Scotland, where the men-servants are not employed in the dairies.
[Footnote: This information was communicated to me from the first
authority.]
Fourthly: From having observed that morbid matter generated by
the horse frequently communicates, in a casual way, a disease to
the human subject so like the cow-pox that, in many cases, it
would be difficult to make the distinction between one and the
other. [Footnote: The sound skin does not appear to be
susceptible of this virus when inserted into it, but, when
previously diseased from little accidents, its effects are often
conspicuous.]
Fifthly: From being induced to suppose, from experiments, that
some of those who had been thus affected from the horse resisted
the smallpox.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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