How is cotton mather best remembered in the annals of science?

Cotton Mather is best remembered in the annals of science for his role in promoting the early use of inoculation against smallpox in colonial America. Despite being a prominent Puritan minister with a focus on theology, he advocated for the practice based on observations from other cultures and his own research. Mather's efforts were pivotal in reducing smallpox mortality rates, though he faced considerable opposition from the public and some medical professionals. His contributions reflect a significant intersection of science, medicine, and religion in the early 18th century.