From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The miasma theory of disease held that diseases like cholera were caused by a miasma (Greek language: "pollution"), a noxious form of "bad air".
The miasma theory was consistent with the observations that:
- disease was associated with poor sanitation (and hence foul odors) and that
- sanitary improvements reduced disease,
Although incorrect, the miasma theory helped motivate major improvements in sanitation.
Prominent supporters of the miasma theory included:
- Abaris the Hyperborean who famously cleaned Sparta under Mount Taygetus from miasmata coming downhill.
- William Farr
- Florence Nightingale
