Mallam-type scarificator, London, England, 1874-1900

Mallam's scarificator, brass and case, by Arnold and Sons of London, 1874-1900

A number of different devices were invented to administer smallpox vaccinations. Invented by Mallam in 1874, this device is curved to fit a child’s arm. Four double blades are triggered from the base using the lever on top. All of the blades would have been prepared by being dipped in lymph material from the pustule of a person already vaccinated. Pustules are skin blisters filled with pus that appear approximately five to eight days after vaccination. Vaccination did not give life-long immunity.