I recently read a phenomenal book titled The Butchering Art by Lindsey Fitzharris. This a must for any infectious diseases aficionado.The book chronicles the medical career of British surgeon Dr. Joseph Lister, the pioneer of surgical antisepsis. The story reads like a novel and covers important concepts such as the evolution of the germ theory of infection from the now discarded theories of animalcules and miasmas as agents of disease.
Also, the book highlights the significant dangers of hospitalism, the Victorian term for hospital acquired infections. Fatality was significantly greater for patients treated in hospitals versus home.
Like Ignaz Semmelweis, Joseph Lister was relentless and attacked for his ideas and practices on antisepsis- on using carbolic acid (phenols) to prevent surgical site infections.
In the end, empiricism and outcomes prevail over paradigms and untested beliefs.
