This introduction covers Setting the Scene within Germ Theory for GCSE History. Revise Germ Theory in Medicine Through Time for GCSE History with 8 exam-style questions and 5 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 1 of 16 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 1 of 16
Practice
8 questions
Recall
5 flashcards
📖 Setting the Scene
For centuries, doctors believed disease was caused by "bad air" (miasma) or imbalanced humours. Then in 1861, French scientist Louis Pasteur proved something revolutionary: microorganisms — invisible tiny living things — caused decay. And if germs caused decay, could they cause disease? By 1878, German doctor Robert Koch had proved exactly that, identifying specific germs for specific diseases. The 2,000-year-old miasma theory was dead. Medicine would never be the same.
Pasteur & Germ Theory - BBC Teach (5 mins) Robert Koch - Simple History (6 mins)