Inoculation Methods
What is the term used by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu for the inoculation method in Turkey?
Engrafting
What did Lady Mary use to describe the Turkish method of inoculation?
A party-like social gathering where people send messages to invite others.
Why did Lady Mary think European doctors wouldn’t accept Turkish inoculation?
It would destroy a significant branch of their revenue.
What did Lady Mary observe about the appearance of Turkish women in the baths?
They were majestic and graceful, with shining white skin.
When did Lady Mary write her letter describing the smallpox inoculation?
1 April 1717
How did the old women in Turkey perform the inoculation?
They would rip open a vein with a large needle and put in smallpox matter.
What is the Turkish term Lady Mary heard the women say when they praised her appearance?
Uzelle, pek uzelle
How does Lady Mary describe European smallpox in comparison to Turkish smallpox after inoculation?
The Turkish method was less dangerous and left no marks, unlike in Europe where it was often fatal.
What was unusual about the way Turkish women treated Lady Mary’s European clothing?
They thought her stays (corset) were a contraption her husband had locked her in.
Why did Lady Mary write about smallpox inoculation?
To bring the method to England and reduce the danger of smallpox.
How long did it take for the fever to begin after the inoculation in Turkey?
8 days
How did the women in the baths behave according to Lady Mary’s observations?
With majesty and grace, without any immodest gestures.
What superstition did Lady Mary describe related to Greek smallpox inoculation?
The Greeks marked the sign of the cross on the body, which led to scarring.
How does Lady Mary describe the beauty of the Turkish women?
They were more admired for their skin and bodies than for their faces.
What role did Lady Mary’s social status play in her ability to travel and observe different cultures?
As the wife of a British diplomat, she had access to foreign cultures and their practices.
What body parts did the Greeks traditionally choose to open for the inoculation?
The middle of the forehead, each arm, and on the breast.
What did Lady Mary say about the social structure in the baths?
There was no distinction of rank, as all women were in the state of nature.
What was Lady Mary’s fear regarding European doctors and inoculation?
They would resent anyone who tried to eliminate smallpox because it was profitable for them.
What did Lady Mary think would happen if it were fashionable to go naked in Europe?
People would hardly notice the face.
How did the French ambassador describe the Turkish approach to smallpox inoculation?
He said they took smallpox by way of diversion, as people in other countries take the waters.
Why did Lady Mary decide to try inoculation on her son?
She was convinced of the safety of the method after seeing its success in Turkey.
How often did Turkish women visit the baths according to Lady Mary?
Once a week, staying there for 4-5 hours.
How did the Turkish people treat smallpox inoculation in terms of risk?
They treated it like a social event, almost as casually as people in other countries take spa treatments.
What kind of women did Lady Mary compare Turkish women to, based on their proportions and grace?
Goddesses painted by Guido or Titian.
How did Lady Mary connect smallpox inoculation to the idea of patriotism?
She wanted to bring the method to England to benefit mankind but feared the opposition of doctors.