On this day in 1721, Dr. Zabdiel Boylston inoculates his son against smallpox

How many Doctors would use their children for an experimental medication? In 1721, Dr. Zabdiel Boylston tested the concept of variolation out on his son. Variolation is the inoculation of smallpox into the patient. Risky yes, but the theory was that you could induce Variola Minor (the less severe form of SP) into the patient and give them lifetime immunity. Considering that the death rate in 1720 was around 1 in 6 would die from small pox and in variolated the rate would go to 1:100, far better odds. Until Jenner came up with using cowpox, the was the best way to avoid the worst part of the disease. Still for pregnant women there was no option. Most women who contracted small pox while being pregnant died from it.