Ep. 257, Chapter 2: Miasma Theory's Stubborn Grip With Thomas Levenson

18:55 – 25:08

Historical misconceptions, particularly the concept of miasmas, hindered the acceptance of germ theory. Traditional ideas to explain the spread of disease centered on keeping the body's humors (or, later, chemical imbalances) in balance, Levenson explains. These ideas were metaphorically useful for describing disease, but they offered no specific treatments. Still, miasma theory’s enduring power lay in its descriptive utility. Observing a disease spreading, the idea of invisible "seeds" carried on the wind seemed like a plausible explanation, even if it didn't reveal the actual mechanism. Furthermore, Levenson points out, miasma theory was "true" in a sense: poor hygiene and sanitation are indeed correlated with disease. This made miasma theory difficult to dislodge until germ theory offered a more persuasive explanation that led to direct, effective actions.