The Natural History of Cow-pox and Vaccinal Syphilis (PDF)

In The Natural History of Cow-pox and Vaccinal Syphilis, Dr. Charles Creighton critically examines the origins of cowpox-based vaccination and its unintended risks, including the transmission of syphilis. He argues that Edward Jenner, in what he describes as a “master-stroke of boldness and cunning,” coined the term variolae vaccinae—implying a scientific connection between cowpox and smallpox—without fully substantiating it in his essay. Creighton suggests that despite lacking rigorous justification, this title gave the impression of a scientific consensus, allowing Jenner’s ideas to gain unchallenged acceptance. Through extensive analysis and documentation, Creighton questions this foundational assumption and highlights the dangers of vaccination practices that were poorly understood and regulated, especially the risk of transmitting diseases like syphilis through contaminated vaccines.