Effects of the germ theory

• Pausters discovery had very little impact at first, because he was not a doctor and his work was initially for the brewing industry. In 1878, theories like the miasma theory were too embedded, and it took time for people to accept new ideas
• surgery:

  • Joseph Lister was quick to apply the germ theory to surgery
  • The use of antiseptics led to fewer infections and therefore fewer deaths
• cleaner conditions

  • The germ theory further proved the link between dirty conditions
  • It incentivised people to begin ensuring places were clean
• vaccinations

  • Koch was the first scientist to identify a microbe that caused a specific disease
  • Once this had been done, vaccinations were developed that led to huge reductions in deaths
• Investment in scientific medical research

  • science was responsible for the development of Pasters discovery
  • More governments and buisnesses became willing to fund research projects
• Investment in public health provision:

  • Now that it was proven that disease was caused by germs in the air, people were more willing to spend money on public health provisions
  • This led to councils improving sewers, drains,fresh water supplies ect.