Doctor Therne

"Doctor Therne" is a novel by H. Rider Haggard. The story revolves around the life of James Therne, a physician in the city of Dunchester who becomes embroiled in controversy after advocating against compulsory smallpox vaccinations. A smallpox epidemic then breaks out in the city, killing thousands, and Therne is haunted by guilt for his role in the disaster. The novel explores themes of morality...