A Collection of Papers Relative to the Transactions of the Town of Milton, in the State of Massachusetts, to Promote a General Inoculation of the Cow Pox, or Kine Pock, as a Never Failing Preventive against Small Pox Infection.
Boston: Printed for the Town of Milton, by J. Belcher, 1809. First edition. Unbound pamphlet (9.5 x 5.75 inches), 48 pages, stitched. Traces of old sugar paper wrapper to the spine; first and last page soiled and somewhat worn; in good condition. Item #22436
“The security of our families within our homes, and the safety of the state of which we are members, collectively constitute private and public happiness. If that happiness can be disturbed by the sword of an invading enemy, is it not also exposed to be blasted by the deadly breath of pestilence? Who has been witness to the desolating scourge of the small pox, but knows that its terrors are not in vain? Have we not seen at various periods confusion enter our towns, and affliction our families? Have we not seen our ablest men, our country’s strength and defence, mowed down by the cruel destroyer? Desolation filled our camp, and our frontier left exposed. Shall we wait for another return of the deadly foe, or by the right improvement of a most merciful dispensation, testify a grateful sense thereof by securing ourself and our country forever?” Public health on the local level, the meetings and studies undertaken by selectmen and local doctors to evaluate the merits of inoculation, the efficacy of the milder Kine Pock, and the necessity of political will at the town level to insure widespread adoption of public health measures. These papers were collected for distribution among the Selectmen of every town in the Commonwealth. (This copy has a small contemporary autograph ink note at the head of the second leaf, “Boston.” American Imprints 18096; Austin 1310 (Milton).
Price: $450.00