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Edward Jenner (1749-1823) was an English scientist who is known for using cowpox to perform one of the first vaccinations against smallpox. About six others tried this procedure as well. These included the farmer Benjamin Jesty, who in 1774 infected his wife and two of his children with cowpox to try and protect them from smallpox. However, it is believed that Jenner discovered and tested the vaccination independently.

Smallpox was a major cause of death in the 18th century. I...