Main description:

Written by his friend, the physician John Baron (1786-1851), this laudatory biography of the 'father of immunology' did much to enhance the reputation of Edward Jenner (1749-1823) upon its publication in two volumes between 1827 and 1838. The work covers Jenner's personal and professional life both before and after his development of the vaccine for smallpox, as well as touching on the vaccine's reception and use around the world. Thoroughly explaining the history and facts of vaccination, Baron established himself as an authority on the subject. Although criticised by some for its unquestioning praise of Jenner's genius, the work is valuable for its use of primary sources, drawing heavily on correspondence and personal notes, excerpts of which appear throughout the text. Volume 2, published in 1838, covers Jenner's later life and the global reception of vaccination. The appendix lists the various honours bestowed upon him.

Contents:

Advertisement; 1. Consequences of the first Parliamentary grant; 2. Continued progress of vaccination abroad; 3. Domestic life; 4. General view of the state of vaccination; 5. Case of the Honourable Robert Grosvenor; 6. Libels; 7. Death of Mrs Jenner; 8. Summary of facts relating to vaccination; 9. Domestic habits and personal character; Letters; Appendix; Index.