October 2013 Auction Ends Tuesday, October 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/29/2013
The Father of Immunology, Edward Jenner autograph letter signed. Jenner is credited with revolutionizing inoculation against smallpox by substituting cowpox virus for the riskier actual smallpox virus used in earlier vaccines. Jenner is also renowned for his philanthropic efforts to inoculate populations worldwide, saving the lives of countless people in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. From London, Jenner writes to his friend and colleague Richard Dunning. Dated 14 February 1802, letter reads in full, "In the midst of my worries I can hardly tell whether or not you have yet received my thanks for the valuable little Box conveyed to me by the Plymouth Coach. If you have, there is no harm in a repetition, as its contents may with great propriety be acknowledged with thankfulness twice over. Your zeal in the vaccine Cause has always been conspicuous + I may with grateful feelings add, not more so than your friendship. I could not help but feel for you on account of the process going forward with your Infant, for spite of your Philosophy, you + doubtless Mrs. Dunning could not then exclude all solicitude. In point of politeness, I ought to address a letter to all those Gentl[emen] who so kindly address'd letters to me; but you can hardly guess at the constant succession of (I hardly know how to give these scenes a name) vaccine affairs, that incessantly come before me at this peculiar juncture. With you have the goodness to say I shall make my reply as soon as possible + in the mean time express my thanks; I mean to such of your neighbors as you may chance to see. Excuse this short answer to your very excellent letter + believe Yrs very truly. E Jenner / Have you yet rec.d the Vaccine matter I promised to send you?" Letter runs 3pp. Expert repair to a tear on the second sheet near the seal crossing signature. Some spotting and separation at folds. In good to very good condition.
Smallpox Vaccine Pioneer Edward Jenner Autograph Letter Signed -- "…Your zeal in the vaccine Cause has always been conspicuous...vaccine affairs…incessantly come before me..."
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