Jenner | An inquiry into the causes and effects of the variolae vaccinae, London, 1800, half calf

Jenner, Edward

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... Second edition (A continuation of facts and observations...). London: for the author by Sampson Low, 1800

2 parts in one volume, 4to (262 x 200mm.), 4 hand-coloured engraved plates, final errata leaf, contemporary marbled boards with modern calf spine and corners in period style, old red morocco lettering-piece, lacking half-title, a few small marginal tears and creases, plates lightly foxed, other occasional light staining

"Jenner's work is the basis of the modern science of immunology" (PMM) and the origin of our word "vaccine". First published in 1798, this updated edition of Jenner's treatise on the use of cowpox to vaccinate against smallpox contains Jenner's substantial Further observations and A continuation and facts and observations which were not present in the first edition but had been issued separately in 1799 and 1800 to provide more evidence for his findings and to counter objections and criticisms of his research.

"For his coining of the term "virus", his effort to describe the natural history of the cowpox virus, and his description of anaphylaxis, he must be considered the first pioneer of the modern science of virology" (DSB VII, p.97).

LITERATURE:

ESTC T54052; LeFanu, Jenner 24; Norman 1163; cf. PMM 250 (first edition)

PROVENANCE:

Jno. Attenburrow, early signature on title-page