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21
have to be placed on the alternatives proposed by the
dissentient Members of the Commission. One of the
references to the Commission was :—
(2) "What means, other than vaccination, can be used for diminishing
the prevalence of smallpox ; and how far such means could be relied
on in place of vaccination.
To this the Commissioners in their Report reply, in
terms admitting of no misconception :—
"We think that a complete system of notification of the disease,
accompanied by an immediate hospital isolation of the persons
attacked, together with a careful supervision, or, if possible, isolation
for sixteen days of those who have been in immediate contact with
them, could not but be of very high value in diminishing the
prevalence of smallpox " (Par. 499;.
but they add
"We can see nothing to warrant the conclusion that in this
country Taccination might be safely abandoned, and replaced by a
system of isolation " (Par. 603.)
If it be admitted that the evidence adduced
before the Commission has proved (l) that vaccination
diminishes the liability to attack by smallpox ; (2) that
it diminishes the fatality and mortality from that
disease; (3) that the risks* attending the operation of
* The evidence collected touching the cases of alleged harm from vaccination
has not been published, but the conclusion of the majority of the Commissioners
is as follows :—
"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 gros6 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
further precautions which experience suggests will do so still more in
the future. (Par. 434.)