Speaking of ancient Indian wisdom:

[mindstalk]

Smallpox inoculation claimed in India in 1000 BC. Also old practices in China and Africa.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallpox#Inoculation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inoculation

I'd wondered why inoculation works. Apparently there were two different strains of smallpox, and inoculation would hopefully use the less lethal version. Also, introduction at a single point through the skin is apparently easier for the body to deal with than inhaling smallpox viruses through the lungs. Vaccination, of course, is distinguished from inoculation by using cowpox instead of smallpox, with similar antigens but much lower fatality risk.

Comments

[mindstalk.livejournal.com]

Huh! Interesting idea.