‘The Geneva serum is excellent!’ Autonomy and Isolation in the Swiss Cantons During the Early Years of Diphtheria Serum: The Case of Geneva

Abstract

At the end of the nineteenth century, Switzerland did not possess its own national institute equivalent to the Institut Pasteur in France, and nor did it promote intensive research in competitive laboratories like in Germany. Thus, the development of Swiss diphtheria serum production took place independently in each canton as a function of local resources and enthusiasm. The study of the Geneva case offers an interesting illustration of this model of diphtheria serotherapy research and production.¹ After giving some information on the context of the surge of diphtheria in the region, this paper will show how the canton of Geneva succeeded in having the product accepted and how it developed medical and social measures allowing the production, distribution and quality control of the serum in a context of total autonomy and in the absence of any national support.