The Fever of 1721: The Epidemic That Revolutionized Medicine and American Politics (book)

Amazon ^ | 2015 | Stephen Coss

[Lorianne]

Amazon description: “Coss's gem of colonial history immerses readers into 18th-century Boston and introduces a collection of fascinating people and intriguing circumstances. The author's masterly work intertwines Boston's smallpox epidemic with the development of New England Courant publisher James Franklin's radical press. . . . Unlike many other works on colonial America . . . Coss's focus on a specific location at a specific time fleshes out the complex and exciting scene in sharp detail, creating a historical account that is fascinating, informational, and pleasing to read.” (Library Journal, starred review)

[Lorianne]

Highly recommend this book. It is part of American history I did not know much about and is very timely today w/r/t journalism and free speech.

It covers the 1721 Boston smallpox epidemic and its intersection with James Franklin's new newspaper (one of the first independent newspapers in the colony), medicine, politics, commerce/shipping ... etc.

You can check this out at your local library.

[NonValueAdded]

The RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list.

Please FreepMail me if you want to be added or removed from this low volume ping list. Ping requests gladly accepted.

Recessional of the Sons of the American Revolution:
“Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our
forefathers who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights,
an independent Supreme Court and a nation of free men.”

Dr. Benjamin Franklin, when asked if we had a republic or a monarchy, replied "A Republic, if you can keep it." [how timely, faithless Electors!]

[Lorianne]

Please add me to your ping list. Thanks

[Calvin Locke]

I saw something similar on Book TV a while back, but I think it more centered on the CT inoculations and pox houses, etc.

The Franklins Bros., iirc, started a paper in CT that argued against inoculations, even though they personally supported them.

In Boston, a Coffin or other notable family, got inoculated, and while still being sick from it, went out to help with a bucket brigade putting out a fire, potentially infecting dozens of people.

And George Washington told a step-son to go get inoculated, in spite of Martha’s objections.

[edwinland]

Christmas present for Dad the Boston historian: Check!

Thank you very much, Lorianne. Merry Christmas.

[Snickering Hound]

A popular way of inoculating yourself against smallpox was taking a scab from a smallpox postule and cutting yourself and rubbing the scab into it.

Sadly, many people caught syphilis that way by accident.

[laplata]

Thanks for the ping. This is really interesting.

[Bigg Red]

Fascinating. Thanks for the flag.