alternatehistory.com

I could have sworn I posted this yesterday, but I guess I didn't.

Anyway, lets suppose that vaccination or variolation is developed earlier than in our history. What are some likely points at which it could happen? What are some likely effects?

For the introduction itself, it would seem easiest to just rely on one of the great men of medicine, like Galen, Rhazes, or Avicenna. Galen's particularly a good choice, because he dealt with the Antonine plague, which was quite possibly smallpox.

As for effects, I'm inclined to doubt that, in and of itself, such an earlier invention would lead to any great increase in population. However, knock-off effects could lead to that same effect, indirectly. More urbanized populations would be possible, increasing trade, and all the associated factors with that. It might help tip the scales of the sedentary vs. nomadic struggle of history, a bit earlier.
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