The Discovery of the Germs

"The Discovery of the Germs" refers to the groundbreaking realization in the 19th century that tiny microorganisms—germs—are the cause of many diseases. Pioneered by scientists like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch, this discovery transformed medicine by showing that cleanliness and sterilization could prevent illness. Through microscopes, they identified specific germs linked to specific diseases, leading to better hygiene practices, vaccines, and treatments. This understanding shifted healthcare from often ineffective remedies to science-based interventions, saving countless lives and laying the foundation for modern microbiology and infectious disease control.