vaccination against small pox an Indian invention!

 vaccination against small pox an Indian invention!

Let me refer to the important work of the Gandhian scholar Dharampal whose 

probing has illuminated many aspects of Indic technology which were all but forgotten, 

He researched writings from eighteenth century travelers, commentators, and scientific 

observers which reveal many aspects of Indian science and technology that showed a 

high level of advancement. In a collection of papers written by some investigators of 

the period, published by this scholar under the title The Beautiful Tree, one can read 

fascinating details on the state of affairs in the eighteenth century. Let me recall a few 

facts from that book beginning with J. Z. Holwell who in 1767 wrote the following: 

Inoculation is performed in Indostan by a particular tribe Of Bramins, 

who are delegated annually for this service from the different Colleges of 

Bindoobund, Eleabas, Banaras, etc. over all the distant provinces; dividing 

themselves into small parties, of three or four each, they plan their traveling 

circuits in such Wisc as to arrive at the places Of their respective destination 

some weeks before the return of the disease ..