The Professor and the Smallpox

Gadso Coopmans (1746-1810) is the son of a Franeker doctor. He also studies medicine himself. In 1773 he becomes professor of chemistry and medicine at Franeker University.

Coopmans is a pioneer in the field of smallpox inoculation. In his time, this is done by placing some smallpox fluid or a scab from a smallpox pustule on a small wound. The disease that the patient contracts this way is often weaker than with natural infection.

Johanna, Coopmans' little daughter, also receives such an inoculation, but she does not survive it. In the poem Varis, Coopmans tells about this. The grief of the father rings loud and clear. But the poem is also a passionate plea to continue with inoculation.

The smallpox epidemic grows more severe with each passing day. Young and old are afflicted. Many die. And whoever survives this terrible disease is marked for life. I shall inoculate my four-year-old daughter Johanna against this plague:

Day 1- Made a small incision on both of Johanna's little arms. Placed the scab of a dried smallpox pustule on the left; the fluid from a ripe pustule on the right. Both wounds covered with a plaster. Johanna is cheerful and gay all day long.

Day 3- Johanna slept well. She has a slight headache and pain under her armpit. The wound with the smallpox fluid on the right is inflamed. Small pustules form on the other arm. Johanna is given laxative and purgative remedies. She is cheerful and plays outside in the garden.

Day 6- Quiet night. More pustules. The inflammation on the right becomes a hard pustule. Johanna has a slight fever and itching. She is somewhat listless. Pain in her arms. Given another laxative and also a stimulating remedy.

Day 7- As the previous day. Johanna shows signs as if of severe influenza. The pustule grows larger.

Day 8- A restless night. Johanna has high fever and is delirious. Her mother and I take turns watching over her. In the afternoon the large pustule bursts and cloudy pus flows out. Another laxative remedy. Johanna eats little. Before sleep she is given a calming remedy.

Day 9- Restless night. Now also pustules in the face. Red blotches on the entire body. Much itching and pain. Heartbeat is erratic. Shivering fever. First bitterly cold, then burning hot with eyes like glowing stars. The medicines are vomited up. Johanna's breath stinks.

Day 10/13- The blotches become smallpox pustules. Some pustules merge into large swollen patches. The small body seems not strong enough to expel the poison. Urine is colourless. Johanna has thirst and a sore throat. Heavy breathing. Fever somewhat abated.

Day 14- The pustules burst open. Pus has mixed with corrupted blood. The fever rises again.

Day 16- Johanna is delirious. Towards midday severe convulsions. Dried scabs crack open. Dry mouth and foul-smelling breath. Irregular heartbeat. Heavy breathing. High fever. Food and medicines she vomits up.

Day 17- Johanna died last night after severe convulsions. My daughter was not strong enough to overcome this horrible plague. I have taken some scabs from her body for a future inoculation.