c1700-c1900 - Germ Theory + microbes Flashcards
(22 cards)
what was the new idea on the cause of disease that emerged during the 18th century
spontaneous generation
what was a continuity in peoples belief of the cause of disease
miasma - but becoming less popular than it was in the Renaissance
what technological development greatly improved the advance of medical knowledge
microscopes
by 1700 microscopes had developed so that ………………………………..
cloudy images of bacteria / germs could be seen
by 1850 microscopes had further improved so that ………………………….
extremely tiny images could be seen clearly
when did Louis Pasteur publish his theory
1861
what was Pasteur’ theory called
Germ Theory
what was the theory of spontaneous generation
claimed rotting matter created microbes –> claimed the microbes spread through miasmata
what was the Germ Theory
showed that spontaneous generation was incorrect –> proved that decaying matter was caused by microbes –> claimed that microbes spread through the air
which doctor / scientist read Pasteur’s work and began to study microbes himself
Robert Koch
what did Koch do that Pasteur didnt
successfully identified that different germs cause diseases
what bacteria did Koch discover and when
Tuberculosis - 1882
what other common disease did Koch discover and when
Cholera - 1883
what else did Koch prove in 1884 and who did this help
that cholera spread through water supplies after Indian epidemic –> proof for Jon Snow’s theory -
what 2 methods did Koch develop that helped other scientist study bacteria greatly
- new, easier way of growing bacteria on agar jelly –> easier to study under microscope
- discovered for chemical dyes stained bacteria —> easier to see
why was Koch so significant
- discoveries had direct impact on the prevention and cure of many diseases
- ‘father of bacteriology’
did Pasteur’s Germ Theory have a big influence in Britain and why
- little impact to begin with
- was not a doctor and his work focused on food and drink, not disease
- most doctors till believed in spontaneous generation but Joseph Lister made the link between microbes and disease
what other factor caused Pasteur to not have a big impact within Britain
- theory of spontaneous generation was promoted by Dr Henry Bastian - one of the most powerful doctors
- since he was so well-respected few disagreed
who had more influence in Britain , Pasteur or Koch
Koch + inspired others to research other microbes
why did Koch have more influence in Britain compared to Pasteur but what else
- inspired others to research microbes too
- took time for both British government and scientist to accept Germ Theory
what technological advancement was crucial in making the development of the Germ Theory possible
Microscope
- clearer images + higher magnification –> able to spot / study microorganisms
by the end of the 1900s how much impact did the Germ Theory have on Britain
- that cause of illness / disease solved
- needed more time for it to be accepted by medical profession
- did not yet have impact on their medical treatment + prevention
