Jenner, Edward

Name:
Jenner, Edward
Detailed information:
(1749–1823). An English physician, Jenner studied medicine in London and established his practice in the rural area of Gloucestershire. Here he discovered the technique of vaccination as a preventive of smallpox (1776). The idea of utilizing cowpox, a disease of cattle, as a protective medium was suggested by his observation that personnel working in dairies developed immunity to smallpox after contracting the much milder cowpox. Jenner's work not only led to almost complete elimination of smallpox in Europe, but also anticipated the development of immune reactions by Pasteur a century later. His success was no accident, but rather the result of detailed observations from which he drew correct conclusions. He was a scientist of the highest caliber and a noteworthy benefactor of mankind.