Dr. Edward Jenner

This week marks the anniversary of the birth (17-05-1749) of one of the most important figures in British Science – Dr. Edward Jenner. I would guess that most of you would not have heard of his everlasting contributions to the progress of science.

His first important contribution was that, as a young man, he observed and recorded the habits of one of the most important signs of summer – the cuckoo. He was the first to expose this parasitic bird as a nest destroyer and layer of eggs foreign to the nests of many birds.

However, it is his second contribution for which he receives the thanks of mankind, for it was Edward Jenner who discovered the process of vaccination. Through his work as a country doctor he was able to use a disease of cattle called “Cowpox” to provide an inoculation against the dreadful disease Smallpox. In the eighteenth century this was one of the most feared diseases on earth – no country was spared. His breakthrough meant that millions of people gained long-lasting protection against this disease. By 1978 this disease was eradicated from all countries.
Yet, what about Jenner? Some countries feted him as a hero, others gave him a money prize but he remained as a country doctor, often suffering from sarcasm and lampooning. He could have made enormous amount of money but, in line with his strong Christian upbringing (his dad was a vicar!), he preferred to continue serving God and his fellow man.

Jenner used his God given skills to provide help and relief to his patients; in our small way can we do less? We need to pray that God will use us to serve others and use what gifts and talents we may have.

God Bless,
John