The article focuses on the smallpox epidemic in Ljubljana in the 18th century, which is well documented in archival sources. At this time, the technique of variolation, i.e. the intentional infection of individuals with the purpose to prevent future variola virus attacks, was being implemented in Europe. The question arises if it might be that this technique actually prolonged and worsened the epidemic? Since vaccination has been available in Ljubljana only after 1801, the only other measure for prevention was isolation. The general attitude towards this highly infectious disease, which was deadly in almost 25%, can be researched through documents of the local administration, which dealt with the situation in the years 1793 and 1794.