Indeed, my appearance as a writer now is earlier than I intended, on account of a plan that I have seen of a Dispensary for inoculating the poor of London at their own houses, in which some plausible reasons for such an establishment are advanced; but I think they are much more specious than substantial; and that the plan itself is fraught with very dangerous consequences to the community, and not like to answer any good purpose if put in execution. Wherefore I thought it a duty owing to the public to publish these sentiments on the subject, that none should inadvertently misapply their charity so as to do mischief when good was intended. In pursuance of this design, it seemed not improper to begin with the two last of the tracts that were wrote at Petersburg in the year 1768, as my opinions on the subjects treated of remain the same as at that time. But I desire that what is advanced in them, or may be found in the sequel, that tends to discountenance the practice of Inoculation by persons who have not had a medical education, may not be construed as a design to affect any of the family to whose mode of practice Inoculation is indebted for some considerable improvements; nothing can be farther from my intention, for I have been at all times disposed to do them justice, and allow all the merit that is their due. In fact, I am an advocate for Inoculation; and wish the design of extending the benefit to the poor may be so conducted, as to afford its enemies as few opportunities of objecting to it on any solid ground as possible; and that the affair may be so well understood, as to make it plain in what manner charitably disposed persons may most usefully employ their benevolence. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Description of the METHODS PROPOSED For extending the salutary practice of Inoculation through the whole Russian Empire. _Written at Petersburg by her Imperial Majesty’s first Physician Baron_ THOMAS DIMSDALE. In obedience to the orders received from her Imperial Majesty, I shall endeavour to demonstrate in a clear and concise manner the destructive effects of the Small Pox in the natural way, and the safety and advantage of Inoculation, even when performed after the old manner; and afterwards exhibit the improvement of the method, being the same which is now introduced into this great empire.