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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."
"503. We can see nothing then to warrant the conclusion that in
this country vaccination might safely be abandoned and replaced
by a system of isolation. If such a change were made in our
method of dealing with small-pox, and that which had been
substituted for vaccination proved ineffectual to prevent the
spread of the disease (it is not suggested that it could diminish
its severity in those attacked), it is impossible to contemplate
the consequences without dismay."
"508. In connection with the subject with which we have been
dealing, we may advert to the suggestion that the vaccination
and sanitary authority should in all cases be identical. . . .
We are not in a position to devise a scheme which would
accomplish either wholly or partially the desired result. At
the same time we fully recognise the importance of achieving
it as far as possible, and we should regard with favour such
changes as would render the amalgamation of vaccination and
sanitary authorities feasible, or indeed any steps taken in that
direction, even although they should only partially effect the
object in view."
"509. From the views which we have expressed on the subject of
vaccination, and on the absence of proof that any practical
alternative exists which could be relied on to accomplish the
same results if vaccination fell into disuse, it follows that we
are of opinion that the State ought to continue to promote the
vaccination of the people. Nor are we prepared to recommend
that the State should cease to require vaccination, and trust
entirely to a voluntary adoption of the practice."
"511. . . . To secure that vaccination should be as widespread