Jenner, Pasteur and Koch: Effect on Medicine

Jenner discovered that cowpox could be used as a vaccination to prevent smallpox.

But Jenner had no explanation for why this method worked - no-one could see the virus with the microscopes of the time. He submitted a paper to the Royal Society the following year. It was met with some interest but further proof was requested. Jenner proceeded to vaccinate and monitor several more children, including his own son. The full results of his study were published in 1798, but his apparent discovery was met with much opposition, and even ridicule. In time the value of his vaccine was recognised, but as many poorer communities had limited access to medical treatment it was several decades before its full benefits were realised. In 1853, 30 years after Jenner’s death, smallpox vaccination was made compulsory in England and Wales.

Now, smallpox has been eradicated!!

Louis Pasteur, (born December 27, 1822, Dole, France—died September 28, 1895, Saint-Cloud), French chemist and microbiologist who was one of the most important founders of medical microbiology. Pasteur’s contributions to science, technology, and medicine are nearly without precedent. He pioneered the study of molecular asymmetry; discovered that microorganisms cause fermentation and disease; originated the process of pasteurisation; saved the beer, wine, and silk industries in France; and developed vaccines against anthrax and rabies.

The German doctor Robert Koch is considered the founder of modern bacteriology. His discoveries made a significant contribution to the development of the first 'magic bullets' - chemicals developed to attack specific bacteria - and Koch was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1905.