I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 183

The Pioneer and the Visionary

Nightingale championed hygiene during the Crimean War, saving countless lives. Simultaneously, another figure was instrumental in saving London from a devastating disease.

This person’s achievements rival those of Nightingale.

Arguing their merits is pointless; both are historical giants.

However, unlike Nightingale, this individual remained prominent and active.

It was none other than the doctor who assisted Queen Victoria during childbirth in Canada.

The saying ‘it’s dark under the lamp’ [meaning the obvious is often overlooked] rings true here.

This made securing an exceptional head for my new medical institution surprisingly easy.

Persuading him was even easier because he questioned the prevailing medical theories.

“So, Your Highness supports my theory?”

“Indeed.”

“Forgive my curiosity, but why do you hold this opinion? The medical community staunchly believes in the miasma theory and the theory of bad air.”

The miasma theory posited that epidemics stemmed from ‘bad air’ or foul odors.

Until the 19th century, the miasma theory was as entrenched as the geocentric theory [the belief that the Earth is the center of the universe] in the Middle Ages.

When a patient fell ill, the immediate response was to purify the room and eliminate offensive smells.

This approach often proved effective, reinforcing the theory.

Maintaining a clean environment to combat odors naturally improved hygiene, significantly reducing germ proliferation.

However, the miasma theory couldn’t explain everything, leading some with expertise in anesthesiology to question it.

John Snow, whom I intended to appoint as the new head of the medical institution, was one such skeptic.

“Precisely. If foul odors caused disease, street cleaners would be perpetually ill. Cholera has been recurring, and I suspect our reliance on flawed theories like the miasma theory hinders its eradication.”

“There’s merit in your words.”

“Ah! You understand. I believe the cause of cholera is…”

John Snow, thrilled that a high-ranking figure acknowledged his marginalized theory, launched into an enthusiastic explanation.

The 19th-century cholera outbreak is a well-known story, and I was generally familiar with it.

The man before me was the very person who gained renown during that crisis.

It was John Snow, who had served as Queen Victoria’s physician.

Interestingly, like Nightingale’s use of statistical data in nursing, John Snow made his mark on history as a pioneer in epidemiology [the study of disease patterns and causes] rather than as an anesthetist.

Given the importance of epidemiological investigations in eradicating and preventing epidemics, his name deserves greater recognition.

But that’s beside the point…

“…So, I believe cholera…the contradiction inherent in the miasma theory…to prevent this, focusing on the map…”

The explanation was becoming lengthy.

You’re certainly knowledgeable, John Snow.

“Yes, yes. I understand perfectly. Doctor, how would you like to fully utilize your abilities with students at my new school? I’ll offer more than double your current salary, allowing you to teach and conduct research as you wish. It’s a favorable proposition, wouldn’t you agree?”

“But if I reject the miasma theory, the academic community will protest vehemently, won’t they? They might tolerate my eccentric views as Her Majesty’s physician, but teaching students…”

“You underestimate your influence, John Snow. Great scholars need power. Who would dare object if I, the school’s founder, endorse your teachings? Let them try. I’ll initiate a public debate.”

I have no use for those in the British Empire who rely on authority or suppress dissenting opinions.

If such individuals are subjected to rigorous debate, they will be silenced.

“Then I have no reason to refuse. I eagerly anticipate our collaboration!”

“The anticipation is mutual. Please train exceptional medical professionals who will safeguard the lives of our citizens.”

Despite his position as a physician favored by the Queen, John Snow hailed from the lower class and deeply cared about the lives of ordinary citizens.

This empathy likely fueled his skepticism of the miasma theory and enabled him to effectively combat the cholera outbreak that would later plague London.

By fostering an environment where such individuals can thrive, we can minimize unnecessary casualties, at least within the British Empire.

It’s an added bonus that the royal family’s popularity will soar compared to other countries’ inadequate responses.

I was on the verge of finalizing preparations and taking action, but this country wouldn’t allow me to focus solely on one endeavor.

“Your Highness, I understand you’ve been diligently working to overhaul the country’s medical system. Do you have any free time?”

“Even when pressed for time, I must make time for our Prime Minister. Fortunately, the urgent work is nearing completion, so I believe I can manage.”

“Oh, really? Then I can discuss this without imposing too much. I’ve encountered several troublesome matters recently and would value Your Highness’s perspective. This is not my personal opinion, but the opinion of the entire parliament.”

Hey, you human. I offered that as a courtesy, but you’re immediately passing the burden onto me?

“…As you know, the school I founded is scheduled to open next month.”

“You mentioned that most of the busy work is finished, correct?”

“I said *almost* finished, not finished.”

“Oh, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not asking you to solve everything, just to offer your insights. After all, it would be beneficial for the royal family, which enjoys widespread public support, to intervene in this matter.”

Have these people forgotten that this country operates under a parliamentary cabinet system?

They previously instructed me not to interfere in domestic politics, yet they seek my assistance when faced with a challenge.

Wellesley is already my business partner, so that’s acceptable, but the Whigs…or rather, the Liberal Party now?

Since even the Liberal Party has agreed to this, I feel a sense of unease.

“If it’s not the Prime Minister’s personal request but the request of the entire parliament, then it’s acceptable for me to receive appropriate compensation, correct?”

“Of course. This is a highly political issue.”

“If you’re simultaneously proposing a bill restricting my involvement in domestic politics and requesting my intervention in a political matter, it must be significant.”

“It’s a serious matter, as both the ruling and opposition parties are collaborating to address it. Your Highness must have heard of the Chartists.”

Ah, I immediately understood why the parliament was seeking my involvement.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to ask me to deliver a speech implying that impoverished workers are audaciously demanding the right to vote, and should instead focus on working diligently in factories and sleeping?”

“…That’s an accurate summary, but it would be disastrous if you said that, so I’m asking you to soften your words. Frankly, isn’t it absurd to grant the right to vote to all adult men?”

That’s the prevailing sentiment of the era.

Even the Liberal Party, which advocates for expanding suffrage, expresses reservations, stating, ‘That’s a bit much…’

Almost none of the vested interests in 1840s England viewed the Chartist movement favorably.

Neither the Conservative Party nor the Liberal Party, nor the landowners, capitalists, or middle-class citizens who supported them, were sympathetic to the Chartists.

Even Queen Victoria considered the Chartist movement outrageous.

In reality, the Chartist movement, which had become excessively radical, ultimately failed.

However, considering that significant electoral law reforms were enacted less than 10 years after the Chartist movement’s demise, it may have had an indirect impact.

“But isn’t the expansion of suffrage inevitable? Demanding universal suffrage immediately is unreasonable. However, I believe secret ballots, among the Chartists’ demands, are justifiable, leaving room for compromise.”

“Then please convey that message. The immediate priority is to quell the absurd notion of granting voting rights to all adults.”

The parliament may be preoccupied with the Chartist movement, but they overlook a crucial fact.

The Chartist movement will spread rapidly, fueled by the wave of revolutions sweeping across Europe in a few years.

Excessive suppression will only provoke a stronger reaction, ultimately leading to its downfall.

“Hmm…I understand for now. However, suppressing such movements too harshly often leads to a stronger resurgence, so I’ll adjust my remarks accordingly. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes. We’ve already arranged a venue for your speech this week.”

“…This week?”

“We’ve already completed the publicity without your consent. Hahaha!”

They’ve already finalized the publicity without even consulting me, demonstrating remarkable efficiency.

I’m so impressed that I might inadvertently deliver a speech in support of the Chartist movement!

To restrain my body, which has escaped my mind’s control, I need to extract further concessions from the parliament.

Isn’t it customary for the more desperate party to concede more?

I’ll contemplate what would be advantageous until the speech.

* * *

The Chartist movement was almost a fad among young British intellectuals.

The dismantling of outdated customs.

The realization of true equality.

A sense of purpose in guiding the country toward a more advanced society.

These ideals resonated deeply with young intellectuals.

This sentiment was shared by two young men who had sought refuge in London from other countries.

George Harney, a leader in the Chartist movement, was gathering supporters to establish an organization called the Democratic Friends Association.

The two young reformers, newly arrived in London, eagerly joined the effort.

The young man, who had encountered numerous philosophers, thinkers, and revolutionaries during his travels through Prussia and France, had recently solidified his own beliefs.

Having embraced liberalism in his youth, he was now developing a new ideology known as socialism.

One day, Engels, his close friend and comrade who had sought refuge in London with him, entered the room excitedly, holding a newspaper.

“Did you see this? The parliament will directly address the Chartists, who have been a major topic of discussion.”

“The parliament can no longer ignore this trend. But isn’t the outcome predictable? Given their nature, they’ll dismiss it as nonsense.”

“No. This seems different. They’re planning a formal speech, open to the public, with opportunities for questions from representatives. Do you know who’s giving the speech?”

“Who? Are Wellesley or Disraeli speaking?”

“No. It’s Killian Gore. The association members are divided on what the country’s king will say, but you’ll definitely attend, right?”

Killian Gore. I had occasionally heard that name in Prussia.

In France, I encountered more substantial rumors, painting a complex and enigmatic figure.

As a member of the royal family, he would likely disapprove of the Chartists, yet he also implemented policies that benefited the common people more than most European elites.

What stance would such a person take on this movement?

“Of course, I must attend. I must witness firsthand whether the rumored king is a victim of power or an enlightened intellectual.”

This speech might inspire me to complete the that I am currently writing.

A young thinker.

Karl Marx briefly paused his writing and turned his attention to the newspaper that his friend Friedrich Engels had brought.