Includes bibliographical references (pages 119-121) and index.
"Civilizing" disease -- The "not so good" old days -- A tiny universe revealed -- Contagion -- Sour wine -- Silk and chickens -- Cultural developments -- "Magic bullets" and antibiotics -- Life in the age of antibiotics -- Looking forward.
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Since humankind's earliest days, the rise of civilization led to a huge increase in the number and types of diseases that afflict the human population. Early prevailing theories about the causes of and cures for disease included superstitious beliefs, the application of herbal remedies, and the well-meant but ultimately misguided humoral theory of disease - a concept that persisted into the 19th century. Presenting a comprehensive history of the development of the germ theory of disease, "Germ Theory" profiles the major scientists who helped the theory, including Leeuwenhoek, Jenner.