INOCULATION

The insertion of poisonous or Infectious matter into any part of the body; but in this country the phrase is commonly used to signify the insertion of the virus of the common smallpox, the insertion of the virus of the cowpox being called Vaccination. Inoculation was introduced into general notice by Lady Wary Wortley Montague, whose son was inoculated at Constantinople about the year 1721, and whose daughter INQUISITION. was the first who underwent the operation in this country. A milder disease is thus propagated than when it is received in the natural way. Inoculation is performed by inserting the point of a lancet armed with proper matter just under the cuticle, and afterwards gently rubbing the armed part over the pricked cuticle. See Vaccination. [s. 613]