Customer Reviews

The Eradication of Smallpox: Edward Jenner and The First and Only Eradication of a Human Infectious Disease

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

More a biography and canonization of Edward Jenner than a comprehensive examination of the eradication of smallpox, _The Eradication of Smallpox; Edward Jenner and The First and Only Eradication of a Human Infectious Disease_ is, nevertheless, a useful text and a pleasant read.

While Herve Bazin does apply necessary attention to the various factors that lent themselves to the development of a smallpox vaccine and the eventual elimination of the disease from humanity, the book places heavy emphasis on the contribution of Edward Jenner to the process. There can be no doubt that Jenner's contribution was significant and should in no way be dismissed. In this regard, _The Eradication of Smallpox_ is a thorough examination of his life and influence. The work by other's to achieve the only instance of the complete eradication of a human infectious disease could, however, have been treated more fully.

_The Eradication of Smallpox_ is worth picking up if only for its discussion of Jenner's life, an important component of the history of smallpox. A more complete study of smallpox, however, would require further reading.