Last Updated:

2024-04-23 23:29:47

Edward Jenner

English physician and vaccine pioneer

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English physician and vaccine pioneer

Edward Jenner, known as 'the father of immunology', created the smallpox vaccine in 1798. His work saved countless lives during a time when smallpox was a major threat to global population. Jenner's contributions to medicine and science have been widely recognized, and he was honored as one of the 100 Greatest Britons by the BBC in 2002.

Smallpox Alexander Fleming Johnson & Johnson Penicillin Jane Goodall Joseph Priestley Charles Darwin Edward Heath Paul Janssen Pfizer

1721

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu introduces smallpox inoculation to Europe

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu brought the practice of smallpox inoculation to Europe after observing it in Turkey. She had her two daughters inoculated against smallpox.

1737-06-30

Birth of Jenner's Nephew

Jenner's nephew was born on June 30, 1737, and assisted in the study of bird behavior, particularly focusing on the relationship between cuckoos and other bird species.

1749-05-17

Birth of Edward Jenner

Edward Jenner, the British physician known as the Father of Vaccination, was born on May 17, 1749.

1770

Edward Jenner moves to St. George's Hospital in London

In 1770, Edward Jenner moved to St. George's Hospital in London to complete his medical training under the mentorship of the renowned surgeon and experimentalist John Hunter. Hunter acknowledged Jenner's skills in dissection, investigation, and knowledge of plant and animal anatomy.

1772

Edward Jenner establishes medical practice in Berkeley

In 1772, at the age of 23, Edward Jenner returned to Berkeley and established himself as the local practitioner and surgeon. He later expanded his medical practices to London and Cheltenham, but Berkeley remained his primary residence.

1774

Benjamin Jesty tests cowpox as protection against smallpox

Benjamin Jesty tested the hypothesis that infection with cowpox, a virus that can spread from cows to humans, could protect individuals from smallpox.

1788-03

Marriage of Edward Jenner to Catherine Kingscote

In March 1788, Edward Jenner married Catherine Kingscote, who later died from tuberculosis. Their marriage possibly influenced Jenner's personal and professional life, including his experimentation with balloons.

1792

Obtaining MD Degree from University of St Andrews

In 1792, after twenty years of general practice and surgery, Edward Jenner obtained the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of St Andrews. This academic achievement further solidified his credentials as a respected medical professional.

1796-05-14

Jenner's Breakthrough in Vaccination

On May 14, 1796, Edward Jenner successfully inoculated eight-year-old James Phipps with cowpox matter, leading to the discovery that cowpox could protect against smallpox.

1796-07-01

First Smallpox Inoculation Test

On 1st July 1796, Edward Jenner variolated James Phipps to test if the cowpox immunity would protect him from smallpox. The successful outcome of this test confirmed Jenner's groundbreaking discovery in the field of vaccination.

1798-09-17

Spread of Jenner's Success

By September 17, 1798, word of Edward Jenner's successful smallpox vaccination had spread, highlighting the significance of his groundbreaking work.

1799

Further Experiments Confirming Cowpox Protection

In 1799, Edward Jenner published the results of further experiments that confirmed his theory that cowpox could protect against smallpox. These findings supported his initial research on the subject.

1800

Recognition of Edward Jenner's Work

French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and American President Thomas Jefferson acknowledge and endorse Dr. Edward Jenner's work on the smallpox vaccine.

1801

Publication of 'On the Origin of the Vaccine Inoculation'

In 1801, Edward Jenner published his treatise 'On the Origin of the Vaccine Inoculation,' where he detailed his findings on smallpox vaccination. He expressed optimism about the potential eradication of smallpox through vaccination.

1802-12-30

Becoming a Master Mason

On December 30, 1802, Edward Jenner became a master mason in the Lodge of Faith and Friendship #449. This affiliation with the Freemasons reflected his involvement in fraternal organizations outside of the medical field.

1803

Translation of Jenner's findings on smallpox vaccine

By 1803, Edward Jenner's findings on the smallpox vaccine were translated into French and Spanish. The King of Spain initiated a vaccination campaign in the Americas and the Far East based on Jenner's work.

1804

Napoleon minted a special medal for Edward Jenner

In 1804, Napoleon minted a special medal in honor of Edward Jenner for his contribution to the technique of vaccination. This recognition highlighted Jenner's significant impact on the field of medicine.

1807

Additional award for Edward Jenner

In 1807, Edward Jenner received a further £20,000 from the British Government for his contributions to the field of smallpox vaccination. This additional award was a testament to his dedication and impact on public health.

1808

Foundation of the National Vaccine Establishment

In 1808, with government support, the National Vaccine Establishment was established to further vaccination efforts. However, Jenner resigned from his directorship due to disagreements with the appointed officials.

1811

Observation of Smallpox Cases After Vaccination

In 1811, Edward Jenner observed a significant number of smallpox cases after vaccination in London. He found that the severity of the illness was reduced in cases where individuals had been previously vaccinated.

1821

Appointment as Physician to King George IV

In 1821, Edward Jenner was appointed as the physician to King George IV. This recognition of his medical expertise further solidified his reputation in the field of medicine.

1823-01-26

Death of Edward Jenner

On January 26, 1823, Edward Jenner passed away, leaving behind a legacy as the pioneer of vaccination and smallpox prevention.

1840

British government bans variolation and provides free cowpox vaccination

The British government banned the use of smallpox variolation and offered free cowpox vaccination to the public, following the success and acceptance of Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccination method.

1896

Statue erected at the Tokyo National Museum

A statue of Jenner was erected at the Tokyo National Museum in 1896 to commemorate the centenary of Jenner's discovery of vaccination.

1926

Jenner's name featured on the Frieze of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Jenner's name is featured on the Frieze of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Twenty-three names of public health and tropical medicine pioneers were chosen to feature on the Keppel Street building when it was constructed in 1926.

1970

The Jenner Health Centre built

Built around 1970, The Jenner Health Centre was established at 201 Stanstead Road, Forest Hill, London, SE23 1HU.

1980-05-08

Eradication of Smallpox

The 33rd World Health Assembly declared the world free of smallpox, fulfilling Jenner's hope of vaccination annihilation. Smallpox eradication is widely regarded as a major milestone in global public health.

2002

Inclusion in BBC's 100 Greatest Britons

In 2002, Edward Jenner was named one of the 100 Greatest Britons by the BBC. This recognition highlighted his significant contribution to the field of immunology and medicine.

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Edward Jenner