The collection is composed of correspondence relating to the Scottish Anti-Vaccination League, Kirkcaldy, 1896-1897.
Correspondence relating to the Scottish Anti-Vaccination League
- This material is held at
- ReferenceGB 237 Coll-723
- Dates of Creation1896-1897
- Name of Creator
- Language of MaterialEnglish.
- Physical Description1 bundle of circa 150 letters. Access to records in a fragile condition may be restricted.
- LocationE89.75
- Direct Link
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
Throughout the 19th century there had been serious outbreaks of highly infectious smallpox in the UK which was most severe among children. The disease was most commonly found in densely populated districts. The first Vaccination Act of 1840 was an early attempt to control the disease but vaccination was provided on a request basis only. The 1871 Vaccination Act heralded compulsory infant vaccination however, and out of this compulsion the anti-vaccination movements were born across the country.
Conditions Governing Access
Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.
Acquisition Information
Material purchased from Broughton Books, Edinburgh, November 1989, Accession no. E89.75.
Note
The biographical/administrative history was compiled using the following material: (1) Willis, Tim. 'Vaccination: politics, the press, and public health' in Wellcome history. No.21. October 2002. ISSN: 1477-4860. The Wellcome Trust.
Compiled by Graeme D Eddie, Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections Division.
Other Finding Aids
Important finding aids generally are: the alphabetical Index to Manuscripts held at Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections and Archives, consisting of typed slips in sheaf binders and to which additions were made until 1987; and the Index to Accessions Since 1987.
Accruals
Check the local Indexes for details of any additions.