Vaccine: The Human Story 2. The Forgotten Terror
Jun 20, 2021
Discover the haunting legacy of smallpox, from its devastating impact in London and the Americas to its tragic consequences on Indigenous populations. Learn about pioneering treatments from ancient Baghdad to the controversial use of the disease as a biological weapon at Fort Pitt. Dive into the historical perspectives on disease prevention and the contentious journey towards understanding inoculation. This journey through forgotten terror unveils fascinating tales of suffering, resilience, and the evolution of medical beliefs.
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Spitalfields Digers Face Forgotten Fear
- Archaeologists in 1985 excavated Spitalfields' crypt, working in dark damp vaults among 18th–19th century corpses.
- They feared smallpox contagion and autopsied and cremated mummified tissue as a safety precaution.
Smallpox As A Social Constant
- Smallpox was an everyday, looming threat that shaped how people experienced life and death.
- Urban living conditions made childhood infection nearly universal among working classes.
Elite Vulnerability Shaped Politics
- The elite often avoided childhood exposure and so faced fatal adult outbreaks with political consequences.
- Several European monarchs and rulers died or were scarred, disrupting succession and governance.
