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39
The use of calf-lymph, though it may be supposed to be more
free from the risk of conveying erysipelas, does not appear to
prevent inflamed arms. Some witnesses have indeed supposed
that it is attended with more risk of inflammation than the
employment of that taken from the human subject. This
opinion has not, however, been corroborated by some of those of
widest experience.
Leprosy.
As regards the possible effect of vaccination in increasing the
prevalence of leprosy, no affirmative evidence has been brought
before the Commission which in their opinion establishes that
this effect has resulted from the practice. On the other hand,
much of a strongly negative character has been produced.
It is obvious that the employment of calf-lymph only would
wholly exclude the risks as regards both syphilis and leprosy.
Respecting the latter disease, however, there appears to be reason
to doubt whether any risk exists, and at any rate it does not
concern the British population. Even in leprosy districts the
employment of English human lymph would be, so far as leprosy
is concerned, as safe as that from the calf. The risk of syphilis,
although real, is an exceedingly small one, even when humanised
lymph is employed, and may probably be wholly avoided by care
in the selection of the vaccinifer. As regards all the other
dangers, whether of severe illness or temporary inconvenience,
the two forms of lymph appear to stand on the same level. The
instances of inflamed arms, of erysipelas, of vaccinia maligna, and
eczematous eruptions are not more common after the use of
human lymph than after that from the calf. Some of the best
qualified witnesses who have afforded us their assistance have
expressed a deliberate preference for arm-to-arm vaccination,
believing the advantages of calf lymph are more imaginary than
real.
A careful examination of the facts which have been brought
under our notice has enabled us to arrive at the conclusion that,
although some of the dangers said to attend vaccination are undoubtedly
real and not inconsiderable in gross amount, yet when
considered in relation to the extent of vaccination work done
they are insignificant. There is reason further to believe that
they are diminishing under the better precautions of the present
day, and with the addition of the further precautions which experience
suggests will do so still more in the future.
With regard to the question: —
(C.) As to whether any, and, if so, what means should be adopted,
for preventing or lessening the ill effects, if any, resulting
from vaccination ; and whether, and, if so, by what means,
vaccination with animal vaccine should be further facilitated
as apart of public vaccination.
The Commission state :—
We have already shown how satisfactory a position Germany
has occupied in relation to small-pox since the year 1874. The
age of compulsion in that country is the end of the next calendar