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The large number of children under 5 years, viz., 64, or as
nearly as possible one third of the whole, also points to neglect
of or to inefficient vaccination; but it is only fair to state, that
the proportion at that age is about the same as in the years
1868-72 for all England. In Hackney there were 64 deaths
under 5 out of a total of 195, which were registered up to
March 31st; 37 between 5 and 15; 53 between 15 and 35; and
41 above 35. There were also 96 males and 99 females, the
largest proportion of male deaths having occurred below 15, viz.,
55 to 46, and the largest of females above that age, viz.,
53 to 41 under 15 years of age.
The best direct evidence with which I am acquainted of the
efficacy of proper vaccination in protecting persons against small
pox, is furnished by an extract from Dr. Jenner's evidence before
the House of Commons in 1802; by the immunity of the nurses
and others at the small pox hospitals; and the great difference in
the death rates of vaccinated and unvaccinated persons. Dr.
Jenner, in his evidence, stated that "during the investigation
of casual cow pox, I was struck with the idea that it might be
practicable to propagate the disease by inoculation, after the
manner of small pox, first from the cow, and finally from one
human being to another. I anxiously waited some time for an
opportunity of putting this theory to the test. At length the
period arrived. The first experiment was made upon a lad of the
name of Phipps, in the spring of the year, 1796, in whose arm a
little vaccine virus was inserted, taken from the hand of a young
woman who had been accidentally infected by a cow. Notwithstanding
the resemblance which the pustule thus excited in the
boy's arm bore to a variolous inoculation, yet, as the indisposition
attending it was barely perceptible, I could scarcely persuade
myself the patient was secure from small pox. However, on his
being inoculated (with smallpox) seven months afterwards, it was
proved that he was secure.* This case inspired me with
* This boy was inoculated again with small pox matter nearly five years afterwards, and only
suffered from a local inflammation around the punctures.