Ayurvedic immunisation system against smallpox

[mccomas]

The Chinese technique for immunisation against smallpox is recorded on a
stele that still stands in front of the Jokhang in downtown Lhasa. I think
this is described by Hugh Richardson in his book on historical inscriptions
in Tibet. Interestingly, the stele came to possess medicinal properties in
its own right. For centuries people have ground the surface of the stele
with stones to collect the pulverised material for medicine. Ironically the
stele itself is now covered 'pock-marks'.

McComas


At 09:21  21/03/02 -0600, you wrote:
>This may not be a question of "ayurvedic" immunization.
>Hugh Richardson (I believe) once wrote on a Qing dynasty smallpox
>immunization program in Lhasa, during the late 18th century.
>This may well have become known in Nepal.
>Some knowledge of Chinese immunization methods may have
>also been current in SE Asia, of course.
>
>Matthew Kapstein