Illustrated Police News 3 July 1886: COMPULSORY VACCINATION ACT The large engraving in the centre of our front page has been re-drawn from a small design printed on the envelope used by the London Society for the abolition of Compulsory Vaccination. Without doubt there are thousands of persons who oppose the Vaccination Act by every possible means in their power. We are in receipt of a number of letters upon this vexed question. Mr Tebb, President of the London Society says:-- “The Preventive we offer as a substitute for vaccination is personal and municipal cleanliness. By that I mean an abundant and continuous supply of pure water, an efficient system of drainage, the prevention of overcrowding, the erection of healthy and well-ventilated dwellings, the multiplication of public baths, wash-houses, and open spaces.” All this is very excellent in its way, but it is not a safeguard against the ravages of smallpox. The old question “Who shall decide when doctors disagree?” is never more apposite or more perplexing than when put in connection with the very practical and very vital subject on which people have disagreed for a century past and disagree still often most acrimoniously.