Dr. Ainslie on SmalUPox and Inoculation in Eastern Countries. 69 



in August 1802.* Little time was lost in disseminating the affection over 

 Ceylon ; and it was from that island that the first active virus was con- 

 veyed, by the ship Hunter, to Madras, where the boon was neither coldly 

 received nor languidly circulated ; and if the Indian world now enjoys in an 

 eminent degree the benefit of Dr. Jenner's labours, it must be confessed 

 that it was in a great measure owing to the judicious steps taken by Earl 

 Powis, then Lord Clive, who was at all times watcliful how he could best 

 promote the real interests of the country vvliich he governed. On this 

 occasion his Lordship was very ably aided by the exertions of Dr. James 

 Anderson, at that time physician general, and whose immediate charge 

 the new arrival consequently became ; this gentleman, with all that cheer- 

 fid and active benevolence which ever distinguished him, and rendered his 

 long life one continued study how to avert the calamities, and alleviate the 

 sufferings, which are incident to mankind, lost not a moment in adopting 

 the wisest method, not only for preserving the valuable stranger in perfect 

 purity, but for rendering every corner of our Asiatic dominions a partaker 

 of the gift. Nor did he rest satisfied here ; but with admirable foresight, 

 transmitted the vaccine virus to every distant and eastern kingdom or 

 province within the range of his extensive correspondence. In the first 

 establishing of vaccination at Madras, Dr. Anderson permitted no man to 

 sleep at his post, fully aware of the inestimable value of the newly-dis- 

 covered preventive, as well as the difficulty with which it had been brought 

 to so remote a land. Government, at that time occupied with serious 

 political affairs, were reminded by him how necessary it was that super- 

 intendents and subordinate vaccinators should be instantly appointed in 

 different districts, to keep alive and spread the welcome present which 

 they had just received ; and that, as in the introduction of all that is 

 novel in India, much reluctance might naturally be expected, he pointed out 

 in what manner exhortatory proclamations should be made, and how pecu- 

 •niary rewards and encouragement could with the greatest advantage be 

 bestowed on those who proved most successful in prevailing on the natives 

 to adopt the cow-pox inoculation. In a word, I hesitate not to say, that 

 had it not been for tlie example and assiduity of this enligiitened and 

 amiable man, cordially assisted and encouraged as he was by the supreme 

 authority, the variola; vaccina would in all probability have long beibre tliis 



• See Cordiner's Ceylon, vol. i. p. 255. 



