On May 14, 1796, Edward Jenner, an English physician, tested his hypothesis that cowpox could protect against smallpox by inoculating James Phipps, a young boy, with material taken from cowpox sores. This experiment proved successful, leading to the development of the first vaccine. Jenner’s pioneering work not only introduced the concept of vaccination but also set the stage for the eventual eradication of smallpox, marking a monumental achievement in medical history and public health.
