Abstract
Two hundred years ago - in May 1796 - Edward Jenner carried out a pioneering feat in the history of 'clinical investigation' which not only paved the way for the eventual elimination of one of the world's most terrifying infections (variola), but also heralded widespread vaccination campaigns and the foundation of the discipline of clinical immunology. Vaccination superseded the formerly used technique of variolation which had been introduced into England by Lady Mary Wortley Montague. Under-recognised is the fact that the first clinical trial(s) of this new development were carried out under the supervision of William Woodville at the St Pancras Smallpox Hospital (situated at Battle Bridge - now King's Cross); this work was crucially important in the 'vaccination saga' and deserves far greater acceptance than is currently the case.
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