Onesimus (Bostonian)

Onesimus (Bostonian)

Onesimus (pronunciation: /oʊˈnɛsɪməs/) was an enslaved African man in the early 18th century Boston, who played a pivotal role in the mitigation of smallpox outbreaks in the city.

Etymology

The name Onesimus originates from the Greek word "Ὀνήσιμος" (Onēsimos), meaning "beneficial" or "profitable".

Historical Context

Onesimus was enslaved by Cotton Mather, a prominent Puritan minister in Boston. In 1721, during a smallpox outbreak, Onesimus shared his knowledge of inoculation, a practice he had experienced in Africa, with Mather. This information was instrumental in the development of the first widespread smallpox inoculation campaign in America.

Inoculation

Inoculation is a method used to mitigate the effects of diseases, particularly smallpox, by introducing a small amount of the disease into a healthy person's body. This practice, which predates the development of vaccination, was common in many African and Asian societies before it was introduced to the Western world.

Legacy

Onesimus' contribution to public health, particularly in the fight against smallpox, is significant. His knowledge of inoculation helped save many lives during the 1721 smallpox outbreak in Boston and laid the groundwork for future advancements in immunization.

Related Terms

• Cotton Mather
• Smallpox
• Inoculation
• Vaccination

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Onesimus (Bostonian)
• Wikipedia's article - Onesimus (Bostonian)

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