An Inquiry into the Causes and Effects of the Variolae Vaccinae A Disease Discovered in Some of the Western Counties of England, Particularly Gloucestershire, and Known by the Name of the Cow Pox

"An Inquiry into the Causes and Effects of the Variolae Vaccinae" by Edward Jenner is a groundbreaking scientific text from the 1700s that examines cowpox, a disease identified in western England. The investigation connects cowpox to immunity against the deadly smallpox, representing a pivotal moment in medical history. The publication includes a complete analysis of cowpox, tracing its spread from animals to people, mainly those who milked infected cows. Jenner uses many case studies as examples of how people who got cowpox became immune to smallpox, even when exposed to it on purpose. The text examines the symptoms, results, and effectiveness of using cowpox to protect against smallpox. The work showcases Jenner’s experiments and insights that led to modern vaccination techniques, emphasizing the importance of these discoveries for public health and the potential of cowpox as a safer method to prevent smallpox.