Douglas Henderson changed the world by achieving the impossible, as was once thought, by eradicating smallpox, which had killed two million a year for a hundred years. He was an American epidemiologist, who went into public health medicine and ultimately to the World Health Organisation.
“With a combination of clever science, incredible organisation and blunt persuasion — often meted out face to face — the indomitable Henderson succeeded in totally eradicating smallpox — the first human infectious disease to be eliminated — through vaccination alone.” The last naturally occurring case was in 1977.
Born 7 September 1928, he was a Sun Virgo, as befits a man of service in healing, which squared onto Saturn in Sagittarius opposition Mars in Gemini, so he used his disciplined, hard-edged, courageous Mars Saturn to the best of all possible ends, working for years out in the field in dangerous places. His Sun was also trine Jupiter in Taurus which would give him confidence; and he was part of the Pluto in Cancer square Uranus in Aries generation, which was determined to change the status quo.
He latterly became Dean of John Hopkins and served under three US Presidents. He died aged 87.
His healer 12th Harmonic is strongly aspected, with overtones of risk and incredible stamina. Even stronger is his leaving-a-legacy-for-history 17th Harmonic.
Hurrah — inspirational pieces very much appreciated in these chaotic times.