"In 1736 I lost one of my Sons, a fine Boy of 4 Years old, by the Smallpox taken in the common way. I long regretted bitterly and still regret that I had not given it to him by Inoculation. This I mention for the Sake of Parents who omit that Operation on the Supposition that they should never forgive themselves if a Child died under it; my Example showing that the Regret may be the same either way, and that therefore the safer should be chosen."
Benjamin Franklin

January 1, 1970

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Added on April 10, 2026
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Original Language: English

Sources

On Immunization, Part III, p. 83

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin