Lot 170
Jenner, Edward - Autograph Letter Signed (1749-1823) English country doctor who introduced the vaccine for smallpox. He coined the term "virus" and was the founder of immunology. Autograph letter signed "Edwd. Jenner," 2 pages, 8 x 5", 15 Bedford Place (London), Aug. 3, 1807. Holograph integral address leaf has handstamp, "Two-Penny Post Southampton," script "2" and red shield-shaped clock stamp, as well as most of the red wax seal. To a barrister friend at Kings Beach Walk, Temple, London. In part, "Accept my best thanks for your kind congratulations. Your old acquaintance G. Pearson, in the form of Mr. Shaw…in endeavoring to destroy me, did me most essential service. I hope he will exercise more discretion in future. I am quite concern'd to find you have been so ill. We have all been thrown suddenly into a sort of tropical climate & confind there long enough for our Livers to feel its influence. You have been pursuing the best of all courses under such circumstances. The occasional use of mild purgatives, with the repetition of small Blisters to the side, may still be necessary." Fine condition.
In the 18th century, one in ten deaths was caused by smallpox and those who survived were often horribly scarred. Jenner had been awarded £10,000 by Parliament in 1802 and in 1807 he was awarded £20,000; it was for the latter award that his friend was congratulating him. Jenner was made Physician Extraordinary to the King (George IV) in 1821 but he was never knighted. Estimate $2,000 - UP
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| Realized $1,250 |
