Inventor: Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch

Ever since beginning his work with fermentation and yeast in 1854, Louis Pasteur believed that microorganisms existed. Through the development of Pasteurization, Pasteur showed that these harmful microorganisms could be killed. To further demonstrate that germs were responsible for disease and infection, he set out to disprove the theory of spontaneous generation. Spontaneous generation was a theory stating that substances became infected because of their inherent substance. Pasteur demonstrated that by blocking contamination by these microorganisms, no infection would develop. His studies were met by general disbelief in the scientific community. It was not until 1864 that the Academy of Sciences accepted his results. The Germ Theory states:
Disease and infection are caused by microorganisms that invade the body and disrupt normal function.
Later, Robert Koch demonstrated how to isolate and culture these microorganisms. Koch also showed that boiled anthrax spores did not cause infection proving beyond a doubt that diseases were caused by living microorganisms. Koch's work was important because it showed how these germs could be destroyed and also spread. The germ theory soon became popular belief.
Large movements spread throughout the US calling for cleanliness and sanitation. Doctors soon began taking measures to prevent the spread of microorganisms from person to person. During the Civil War, doctors didn't thoroughly clean their surgical tools but they did understand that sick people should be kept isolated from well ones. Once germ theory was understood, effective measures could be taken to prevent the spread of disease.

*Pictures from Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia

SOURCES:

"Koch, Robert". Microsoft Encarta Electronic Encyclopedia Edition 2002.

• A very detailed source, with very good biographical data on Robert Koch.

"Pasteur, Louis". Microsoft Encarta Electronic Encyclopedia Edition 2002.

• A very detailed source, with very good biographical data on Louis Pasteur.

Shotgun. Home of the American Civil War. "Civil War Medicine". 17 Jan 2004. <http://www.civilwarhome.com/civilwarmedicineintro.htm>

• This site provides information on many aspects of Civil War medical technology and techniques