Note 50 — Chapter XIII

It has sometimes been observed (and the Observation has been such, as not to be doubted) that a very mild distinct Small-Pocks has sometimes invaded the same Person twice: But such Instances are so very rare, that we may very generally affirm, those who have once had it, will never have it again. E. L.——In Deference to a few particular Authorities, I have also supposed such a repeated Infection. (Analysis of Inoculation, Ed. 2d. P. 43.) though I have really never seen any such myself; nor ever heard more than two Physicians affirm it, one at Versailles, and another in London; the last of whom declared, he took it upon the Credit of a Country Physician, thoroughly acquainted with this Disease, and a Witness to the Repetition of it. Hence we imagine the Editor of this Work at Lyons might have justly termed this Re-infection extremely rare, which would have a Tendency to reconcile the Subjects of the Small-Pocks, more generally, to the most salutary Practice of Inoculation. Doubtless some other eruptive Fevers, particularly, the Chicken Pocks, Crystals, &c. have been often mistaken for the real Small-Pocks by incompetent Judges, and sometimes even by Persons better qualified, yet who were less attentive to the Symptoms and Progress of the former. But whoever will be at the Pains to read Dr. Paux' Paralléle de la petite verole naturalle avec l'artificielle, or a practical Abstract of Part of it in the Monthly Review. Vol. XXV. P. 307 to 311, will find such a just, clear and useful Distinction of them, as may prevent many future Deceptions on this frequently interesting Subject. K.