Germ Theory and Its Development: Lister & Pasteur

These flashcards cover key concepts related to germ theory and the developments made by Pasteur and Lister in medicine.

What did Louis Pasteur prove about disease?

Pasteur proved that disease was not caused by miasma, but by microorganisms.

What was Joseph Lister known for in medicine?

Joseph Lister developed antiseptics which made surgery safer.

Define germ theory.

The theory stating that microorganisms in the air cause decay and disease.

What impact did Pasteur's germ theory initially have on medicine in Britain?

It had a small impact initially as many still believed in miasma theory.

What is the main idea behind germ theory regarding air?

The air contains living microorganisms that can cause infection.

How did Lister's death rate compare to surgery before his discovery?

Lister reduced the death rate to around 15%, much lower than previously.

What was a major finding of Lister's research?

He surmised that microbes entered surgical wounds and caused infections.

What method did Lister recommend to surgeons?

To wash hands and instruments in carbolic acid before operations.

Why wasn't Lister's antiseptic approach widely accepted initially?

Because many still believed in miasma theory and the effectiveness of soap and water.

What was one invention created by Lister to combat infection during surgery?

He invented a carbolic spray to kill microbes in the air during operations.