On Vaccine Inoculation.

an important early supporter of jenner

First and only edition of one of the earliest detailed accounts of the practice of vaccination, by the founder of dermatology. Describing 'the skin lesions produced by vaccination and the diseases most commonly mistaken for subsequent smallpox', it did much to reassure the medical profession that vaccination was safe and effective (Oxford Dictionary of National Biography).

Willan's reputation rests primarily on his contributions to the description and classification of skin diseases. 'His division of skin disease into eight groups according to their structure and appearance quickly won the approval of the profession. By 1801 Willan was an acknowledged expert on the subject and was able to give up his dispensary posts and build a private practice based on his specialist knowledge. In recognition of his work he was awarded the Fothergill medal in 1790, and in 1809 was elected to the Royal Society' (ODNB).

Willan "was greatly interested in smallpox as a public health problem... and one of the most powerful supporters of vaccination. Jenner said of his treatise on vaccination, 'You cannot quote a better authority'" (Pusey, History of Dermatology, pp 65-66).

First edition; 4to (27.5 x 21 cm); 2 hand-coloured plates, a little light, scattered spotting to contents and faint toning in the margins, plates slightly more so than the text; contemporary half calf rebacked to style, red morocco label, marbled sides, very good condition; 108pp, appendix livpp.