Daniel Sutton

Daniel Sutton was an English surgeon born in Suffolk in 1735 who became one of the best-known inoculators of his age. Working from methods developed in his family, he refined smallpox inoculation into a practice that was known for shorter recovery times and broad social appeal, and his services were sought by patients across Britain.

Modern medical historians credit him with helping to popularize a simpler and more effective approach to inoculation before Edward Jenner's later breakthrough with vaccination. A frequently cited account of his work says that between 1763 and 1766 he inoculated many thousands of people with remarkably low mortality, though his reputation was debated in his own time and after.

Sutton also wrote about his work. His 1796 book, The Inoculator; or, Suttonian System of Inoculation, presents his methods in a practical, experience-based way and helps explain why he remained a notable figure in the history of smallpox prevention. He died in London in 1819.