How to Save a Life: The discovery of the Germ Theory

Scientists often develop new theories and ideas once previous postulates are shown to be inadequate. After numerous attempts to understand how germs spread, scientists still lacked a theory that explained the cause of diseases. The germ theory was instrumental in formulating an understanding of various diseases in order to protect the public from lethal epidemics. The development of the germ theory is credited to Dr. Robert Koch, Dr. Joseph Lister and chemist Louis Pasteur. The theory helped other scientists develop future vaccines and procedures to stop the spread of disease. The invention significantly changed how society and medical experts thought about and practiced medicine. The germ theory made it possible for scientists to discover the complex causes of infections and diseases such as cholera. At first, the general public was very apprehensive about the rapidly changing medical practices that resulted from the germ theory. However, once these practices were successful, the public trusted the new procedures such as the introduction of the antiseptic practice. Although many medical breakthroughs were introduced in the late 19th and early 20th century the most significant was the discovery of the germ theory because it allowed European physicians to discover other medicines. It was the foundation for the discovery of other medicines such as cholera and the inception of antiseptic surgery.
Before the invention of the germ theory, scientists did not understand the concept of disease. Surgical operations only occurred in dire situations because the operation was a very risky procedure and the patient would often die. Additionally, a patient would often look for alternatives to surgery due to the high death rate. Scientist did not know when, why and even how germs spread from person to person and