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205
variety. It is scarcely probable, unless indeed it be held that all
viruses that will give rise to the physical appearances of a vaccine
vesicle when inoculated, are identical, that one and all should be
endowed with precisely the same effects qua immunity towards
small-pox. If we had to express a preference for lymph derived
from any of the sources described we should give it to that of
variolous origin, provided always it has been rendered incapable
of giving rise to infection.
Reference III.—The objections made to vaccination on the ground of
injurious effects alleged to result therefrom.
It was at one time officially maintained that against "the vast
gain" by vaccination there is no loss to count. Of the various
alleged drawbacks to such great advantages the present state of
medical knowledge recognises no single trace.
The Select Committee of 1871 reported "that if the operation
be performed with due regard to the health of the person vaccinated,
and with proper precautions in obtaining and using the
vaccine lymph, there need be no apprehension that vaccination
will injure health or communicate any disease." Even more
recently this view has been re-affirmed in a pamphlet, entitled
"Facts concerning vaccination for heads of families," "revised by
the Local Government Board, and issued with their sanction";
which states that "as to the alleged injury from vaccination, all
competent authorities are agreed that, with due care in the
performance of the operation, no risk of any injurious effects from it
need be feared."
We agree with our colleages that, notwithstanding repeated
and emphatic assertions to the contrary, the admission must
without hesitation be made that risk attaches to the operation of
vaccination.
The statements contained in sections 399-421 of the Report
appear to us to give ample reason at least for hesitation in