Chapter 293: A great achievement! She is granted the title of County Marquis of Luo County
Cowpox is a mild form of smallpox that affects cattle.
To implement the cowpox method, one must find a cow infected with smallpox. Fortunately, this is not difficult to find.
In addition, the old emperor has summoned the most renowned physicians in the land to discuss smallpox prevention. The impact of this matter… how should one put it? One physician, already in his eighties, had family members who worried about his frail state and tried to decline the imperial summons on his behalf. In response, he declared that even if he had to be carried, he must be brought to the capital!
All the doctors across the empire: “Get out of my way! This is our moment to bring honor to our ancestors!”
The former Princess of Jin, Mao Jiuzhou, also entered the palace to study an ancient medical text alongside other physicians. They deliberated on the feasibility of variolation (human smallpox inoculation) versus cowpox vaccination.
The final consensus was: “Cowpox is indeed superior to variolation. However, it must not be administered recklessly. Factors such as region, climate, timing, and even the physical condition of the person providing the cowpox matter can all affect its efficacy.”
They used Guangdong as an example. Guangdong’s humid climate and high incidence of mental illness posed a risk—if the cowpox matter was sourced from someone with such conditions, it could have serious adverse effects when introduced into another person.
In response, Mao Jiuzhou advised: “Do not rush into mass vaccination. This ancient text still requires refinement.”
Sitting beside her, Xu Yanmiao couldn’t stop marveling throughout the discussion.