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.
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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!]
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.
Christmas present for Dad the Boston historian: Check!
Thank you very much, Lorianne. Merry Christmas.
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.
Thanks for the ping. This is really interesting.