The Present Method of Inoculating for the Small-Pox: To Which Are Added, Some Experiments, Instituted with a View to Discover the Effects of a Similar Treatment in the Natural Small-Pox

The Present Method of Inoculating for the Small-Pox, written by Thomas Dimsdale in 1769, is a significant early work on the practice of smallpox inoculation. Dimsdale shares his extensive experiences and findings, advocating for inoculation as a safer alternative to contracting the disease naturally. He discusses the importance of patient preparation, timing, and environmental factors in the inoculation process, aiming to improve both efficacy and safety. This treatise reflects the evolving understanding of vaccination during the 18th century and its implications for public health.