Variolation
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Variolation is the historical practice of inoculating healthy individuals with material from smallpox pustules to induce immunity. Originating among Eastern peoples, the practice was introduced to England in the early 18th century by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
VARIOLATION, a custom widespread since ancient times among Eastern peoples, involves inoculating healthy individuals with the contents of smallpox pustules from natural smallpox in order to obtain immunity to this disease. In 1717 (according to other data, in 1721), variolation was introduced into England by Lady Montague and from there spread to other Western European countries (see Smallpox vaccination).
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“Variolation.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/variolation/