Szczepienia przeciw ospie prawdziwej oraz przeciw gruźlicy w opiniach lekarzy polskich w świetle wybranych tytułów polskiego czasopiśmiennictwa lekarskiego (1801–1900)

This article discusses the Polish doctors’ views on the issue of smallpox vaccine and tuberculosis vaccine. The cognitive aim of the study was to present the history of introducing both vaccines on the territory of Europe, show the Polish doctors’ opinions on this background and catch the similarities and differences in attitudes to both vaccines. Important factor is that smallpox vaccine was introduced before formulating the standard of microbiology, whereas tuberculosis vaccine was introduced after formulating this standard. Smallpox vaccine was introduced on the territory of Poland in 1801. Thanks to its effectiveness, the vaccine became a regular part of the prevention of infectious diseases. Polish doctors have frequently taken the subject of vaccination in periodicals, writing not only about its advantages and values, but also about many issues related to it. Tuberculin was accepted by the medical community as a revelation and miracle drug. However, after several months of trials, it exposed its imperfections, such as some complications (deterioration of the patient’s condition, death) and no cases of complete cure. For these reasons tuberculin was criticized by doctors and withdrawn from use.