An account of the manner of inoculating for the small pox in the East Indies

A meticulous nineteenth‑century physician presents a rare glimpse into the practice of small‑pox inoculation among the Brahmins of the East Indies. Drawing on personal observation and earlier European reports, he explains how this ancient technique predates, and in many ways anticipates, the methods now common in England. The narrative balances scientific curiosity with respectful commentary on local customs, offering readers a clear picture of early cross‑cultural medical exchange.

The author then turns to the epidemiology of small‑pox in Bengal, describing the regular seven‑year cycles of severe outbreaks and the surprisingly mild cases that follow widespread inoculation. He details the seasonal timing of the disease, the community’s response—often retreating to the countryside—and the stark contrast between natural infection and the inoculated experience. Interwoven with these facts are thoughtful reflections on diet, superstition, and the resilience of both native and expatriate populations, making the work both an informative medical record and a vivid portrait of colonial life.