Josh Baker
Disease and Discrimination
1-25-99

Viruses, Plagues, and History
Michael B. A. Oldstone

	The role of disease in mankindÕs traditional view of history is one that is recurrently overlooked.  The tremendous impact of infectious disease on our recent history is, perhaps, quite frightening.  Michael B. A. Oldstone, in his book Viruses, Plagues, and History, attempts to illuminate the significance of disease in some of the most important historical events of recent times.  His in-depth discussions of many major viral epidemics not only give the reader a solid background in the science and history of each disease, but also form a powerful argument for the astounding impact of each one in a historical context.  As a result of his broad and detailed analysis, his insightful perspective may not only be appreciated by scientists and historians, but the non-professional as well.  Through this book, Oldstone has raised many serious questions regarding the imperfect and confined way in which we view our history.
	After briefly introducing his theory, Oldstone immediately delves into the virology and immunology relevant to the diseases in question.  He states himself that these chapters are, by no means, necessary in the comprehension of the ideas that follow but instead, only exist in order to satiate the minds of those interested in the science behind the theory.  Oldstone then goes on to discuss the Òsuccess storiesÓ in recent times with the onset of vaccinations and worldwide awareness of infectious disease.  After remarking almost superfluously about the historical impressions of these four frightful diseases (Smallpox, Yellow Fever, Measles, and Polio), he continues to discuss the scientists and groups involved in controlling and, in some cases, eradicating the diseases as they were once known.  The optimistic perspective demonstrated, Oldstone then focuses on the upsurging dangers in the realm of infectious viral diseases.  Progressing from the hemorrhagic fevers to AIDS and ÒMad CowÓ disease, he gives birth to fear as well as hope in the reader.  He discusses not only their virulence and surprising commonness but also the recent advances in medical science towards a greater understanding of each one. 
	While this book does contain a plethora of scientific data and theory, it does not discriminate against the average person interested in the field.  While Oldstone does approach, in detail, the mechanism of each disease, his most important claims involve the historical implications involved in each case.  Historians may notably benefit from such a distinct analysis of the past as it brings a new perspective into the field.  In his opening paragraph, Oldstone immediately notes, Òentire countries have been changed geographically, economically, and religiously as a result of sweeping virus infections that were impervious to know curesÓ (Oldstone 3).  Here he proves his obvious dedication to this aspect of his interest.
	However, in OldstoneÕs attempts to illustrate the magnificent effects these viruses have had on the development of our modern world, he allows himself to be caught up in the less provocative aspects of his research.  He vigorously emphasizes the scientific background behind the discovery and treatment of these diseases, focusing on important scientists and their contributions.  In doing so, Oldstone fails to adequately address the immediate and long term cultural, political, and economical effects of these powerful diseases.  While his insights are intelligent and accurate, they are not stressed to what might  be considered an appropriate depth.  For example, in the twenty pages devoted to the advent of HIV and AIDS, Oldstone spends less than a page discussing the extreme political and cultural conflict aroused by the disease.  Nonetheless, he does approach these implications to some extent in each case and illuminates some key historical perspectives regarding the affect of disease on human associations and interactions. 
	In his quest for these key perspectives, Oldstone reveals certain, almost universal, themes behind the human reaction to disease.  His research reveals the extraordinary presence of stigma and discrimination in the vast majority of these epidemics.  In this case, Oldstone describes the stigma surrounding the Ebola virus in Africa:  Òthe stigma of disease prevents many victims from coming into the city, so they die in their rural villagesÓ (132).  He also presents an interesting perspective on the AztecsÕ impression of smallpox during Spanish colonialization, Òthey thought the disease supernatural because it preferentially killed them but spared the conquistadorsÓ (33).  He goes on to propose that it was as a result of this realization (or misconception) by the Aztecs that the conquistadors were able to crush the spirits of the natives.  To cite one more example, the smallpox vaccine itself created controversy and stigma not unlike that associated with some recent advances in modern medicine.  Oldstone states, ÒOpponents argued that vaccination was a revolting practice....that vaccinated victims sprouted horns and looked like cows, and that one was interfering with GodÕs way, since vaccination was not mentioned in the BibleÓ (40).  As one reads, it becomes apparent the prevalence of contradictory cultural and political attitudes about each disease.  These conflicts, whether they be cultural, political, or economic, seem to result in a powerful driving force on history.  Oldstone also discusses some consequences of this force, summoning many seemingly unrelated historical events, evidently aftermathÕs of great epidemics (e.g.: the Louisiana Purchase/ the end of W.W.I, etc.).
	Oldstone has made obvious in this book the importance in examining great epidemics and their possible effects on history.  Although he leaves much unsaid, he does not ignore this powerful hypothesis and, therefore, makes the book accessible (and of interest) to those readers with little concern for the meticulous scientific and historical detail he imparts.  It is through this perspective that man may learn how best to deal with the dynamic and omnipresent presence of infectious disease and ensure that its threat does not control the fate of human society.  Furthermore, the human race must constantly examine and challenge the history of disease in an attempt to purge itself of the ignorance and persecution ubiquitous in its past. 
	
Oldstone, Michael B. A.  Viruses, Plagues, and History. New York: Oxford University 	Press, 1998.   pp. 210