The Story of a Great Delusion in a Series of Matter-of-Fact Chapters ebook

The Story of a Great Delusion in a Series of Matter-of-Fact Chapters by William White is a comprehensive and critical examination of the history, practice, and consequences of vaccination, particularly smallpox vaccination, in the nineteenth century. First published in 1885, the book meticulously traces the origins of vaccination, beginning with Edward Jenner’s experiments and the subsequent widespread adoption of the practice. White presents a detailed narrative that challenges the scientific validity and efficacy of vaccination, arguing that it is based on flawed reasoning, insufficient evidence, and public credulity. Through a series of well-researched chapters, the author explores the social, medical, and political forces that contributed to the rise of vaccination as a public health measure. He scrutinizes the claims made by its proponents, highlights the dangers and adverse effects experienced by many recipients, and documents the resistance and skepticism among segments of the medical community and the general public. White’s work is notable for its reliance on official statistics, medical reports, and testimonies, which he uses to question the purported benefits of vaccination and to expose what he perceives as a widespread delusion perpetuated by authorities and vested interests. The book also delves into the broader implications of compulsory vaccination laws, discussing issues of personal liberty, governmental overreach, and the ethical responsibilities of the medical profession. White’s writing is characterized by a rational, matter-of-fact tone, aiming to persuade readers through logic and evidence rather than emotional appeal. The Story of a Great Delusion stands as a significant historical document, reflecting the controversies and debates surrounding vaccination in Victorian England, and offering insight into the origins of vaccine skepticism that persist in various forms to this day.