The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1909-12-12
o. RIN7INE OR NOT.

Editor of Missoulian:
In view of the fact that the subject
Of smallpox is open for discussion. a
brief history of this dread disease is
not amiss at this time.
II was first described by an Arab
ian physician in the ninth century. II
was known to exist, however. in the
sixth century and during the CRU
sades.
1t was first introduced into Ameri-
Ca by the Spaniards. 1t made its first
appearance in Massachusetts in 1888,
in a most virulent form. In Iceland in
fT0I, $4,000 lives were lost out of 50,-
900 population According to Syden-
ham. 100000 lives were sacrificed to
smallpox in Mexico during the seven
teenth century.
The immunity secured by previous
attacks suggested the incubation idea
for protection to Lady Montague, wife
If the British ambassador to Turkey,
in 1ils. incubation, however. was
practiced by the Brahmins, also the
Chinese. many years before.
The effect of incubation was found
to only spread the disease broadcast,
but in a milder form.
1t was only I'm 1898 vaccination was
discovered by Jenner, and up to this
time II IL estimated 100000 lives
were lost yearly in Europe by small
pox.
Vaccination was first introduced
into the United States in 1900 by Pro-
fessor Waterhous of Harvard univer-
sity. who yaccinatel his own children.
1t is needless to add that many thou
sand lives have been saved by judi
cious vaccination since that time
Vaccination has had its followers
and its disbelieyers. many of the latter
not without just cause bitterly oppose
its compulsory edict.
The last epidemic i'm this country
appeared at the close of the Spanish
American war in 1899. and spread
over nearly every state in the Union.
1t appeared to be mixture of chicken
rox, impetigo contagcora and Philip
pine itch.
The present epidemic i'm Alissoula
has been diagnosed in one suspected
case as scabies, in three others as
chiekenpox. This report may In "a
measure account for the apparent
mildness of the disease and low NOR
tally report suggested by the medical
society at its recent meeting.
The writer believes In vaccination
but not compulsory. or at least until
the public are advised that yaccina-
tion is not entirely free from danger.
Statistics show many fatalities. In
st. Louis and Chicago few years
ago more than 1so deaths occurred
from tetanus bacillus through indis
criminate Use of impure vaccine fur
nished In the free dispensaries
throughout the city. 1t has been
proven beyond II question of doubt
that smallpox is Il highly con-
taglous disease. Infectious to Il pro
nounced degree in all stages, and by
many of the best authorities. Infee-
tinus even during the period of incu-
baton. To lead the Inexperienced and
average person 10 believe the present
demie or any epidemic of small
pax is Of a trifling nature is worse
than criminal. and should be consid
cred As intent with male aforethought,
or. in other words. with a grain OF
salt.
TN. need only 10 be reminded of the
sacrifice of nearly 200 lives and loss
OF many thousands Of dollars from.
business depression from the epidemic
in the city of Billings Il few years ago
The followers NJ Mrs. Eddy at that
time opposed not only vaccination but
also quarantine.
The state board OF health. in con-
junction with the local physicians.
fought and finally succeeded i'm es-
tabtishtng strict quarantine regula-
tions. Oh, consistency. thou ART n
jewel. The same secretary is stili in
office. The same president still holds
The physicians all over the state are
becoming more enlightened. The local
health officers draw down their
monthly pension 1T the expense of the
taxpayer and the smallpox victim, and
all for what For seeing that the
wishes of the people shall prevail.
In this glorious land of the free and
the home OF the brave. that this pest
shall flourish and scatter its seeds
among all thu chosen people. The
flower nf our youth. the hope of pos.
terity. by their marks YOU shall know
them.
1 I IAHnNEy NJ n