[Smallpox vaccination in Siena during the Napoleonic era]

Smallpox vaccination encountered several obstacles to its widespread adoption in the years following its discovery by Jenner in 1798 due to practical problems (vaccine availability) and weak support from health authorities. In the present paper the author describes the problems related to smallpox vaccination in the Siena area and how such problems were overcome. Vaccination was first practised in this region at the beginning of the 19th century thanks to Elisa Bonaparte's efforts and support, who set a fine example by vaccinating her own children personally.