She gave her son smallpox. Her bet paid off.

About this episode

The episode discusses the contributions of an 18th-century noblewoman to the eradication of smallpox and the moral panic surrounding her actions.

It was one of the deadliest diseases known to humankind. And just 50 years ago it was officially eradicated. But there’s someone missing from the story of smallpox. A woman whose work was mocked. Who was branded a bad mother. And who helped bring inoculation to the West. Author Jo Willett tells Marc Fennell (Stuff The British Stole) about how an 18th-century noblewoman ignited a moral panic, split the scientific establishment and helped spark a medical revolution. Binge all the episodes of No One Saw It Coming now on ABC listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Get in touch: Got a story for us? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at noonesawitcoming@abc.net.au

People in this episode

Host: Marc Fennell

Guest: Jo Willett

Topics covered

• smallpox
• inoculation
• medical revolution
• 18th-century history
• moral panic
• scientific establishment

Keywords

• smallpox
• inoculation
• Jo Willett
• Marc Fennell
• medical revolution
• history
• 18th century

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Australia

Books & works: Stuff The British Stole

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