The Balmis Expedition: The world’s first international healthcare mission

October 15, 2023 00:20:22
The Balmis Expedition: The world’s first international healthcare mission
Brian's Spain Domain
The Balmis Expedition: The world’s first international healthcare mission

Oct 15 2023 | 00:20:22

/

Show Notes

Back in 1803, Spain organized a mission to inoculate the inhabitants of its vast empire from the deadly disease smallpox. It was officially known as the Royal Philanthropic Vaccine Expedition, or simply the Balmis Expedition, after the doctor who led the medical team. An ambitious project, it employed children to “carry” the vaccine during the […]

Other Episodes

Episode 0

October 24, 2022 00:15:04
Episode Cover

Cordials for Kids: the bizarre story of alcoholic drinks that were given to minors to whet their appetite.

We know that in the 1960s and 1970s certain products, namely cigarettes, were often unabashedly sold as something nearly harmless, if not beneficial for...

Listen

Episode 0

May 03, 2023 00:08:25
Episode Cover

Spanish Sayings In Danger

With the increasing effects of climate change looming, and a deep drought continuing to drain Spain of its water supply, classic Spanish sayings and...

Listen

Episode

October 11, 2024 00:25:43
Episode Cover

Spanish History 101: The Second Republic

King Alfonso XIII leaves the country in 1931 and Spain’s proclaims a republic for the second time in its history. It will be a...

Listen