The Miasma Theory and von Pettenkoffer's Legacy

This chapter examines the life and theories of Max von Pettenkoffer, who championed the miasma theory as a cause of cholera in the 19th century. It details historical efforts to improve air quality in urban environments and the shift from miasma to germ theory amidst scientific debates. The narrative culminates in the tragic fate of von Pettenkoffer, illustrating the complexities of scientific evolution and the enduring impact of past health beliefs.