On the Difficulty of Preserving the Vaccine Virus on Thread or Glass in Very Hot Weather
Description:
Some of the problems associated with the early smallpox vaccination work are highlighted in this manuscript of Benjamin Waterhouse. Without an adequate way to preserve the active virus at high temperatures, Waterhouse often found its efficacy compromised. During June and July, 1801, he charted the temperature and humidity in Cambridge to measure its effect on his vaccine matter and then devised these procedures to keep the matter cool and allow samples to be sent to his colleagues. Manuscript temperature and humidity chart by Benjamin Waterhouse
The Boston Medical Library does not hold copyright on all materials in this collection. For use information, consult Public Services at chm@hms.harvard.edu
Contact host institution for more information.
