Germ theory, viruses, and microbiology: The History of Virology

When Edward Jenner created the first vaccine against smallpox, he had no idea what caused smallpox. The scientific appreciation of "germ theory" was just the start of the process of understanding microbiology. The History Guy recalls the forgotten history of the scientific study of "germs," and how early germ theory actually delayed the scientific discovery of viruses.

This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.

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Script by THG

#science #thehistoryguy #history

[TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I say that a virus could be vaguely seen with an optical telescope. Of course, that is supposed to be “microscope.” I mention cucumbers as members of the nightshade family. They are not, and are not vulnerable to Tobacco Mosaic Virus. I apologize for the errors.

[ianmacfarlane]

The breadth of subjects covered on The History Guy channel is frankly incredible.
We never know what's coming next.
A wonderful channel, produced and presented by an excellent and extremely engaging content creator - I feel lucky for having discovered this channel when I did.

[seatedliberty]

As a physician, I was already familiar with this topic and knew of all but one or two of the scientists mentioned. However, and as a testament to your narrative skill, I found myself more excited and engaged with the subject matter than I ever remember being when I studied it in medical school. Making subject matter relatable and interesting is a rare skill and you have it in abundance. Plaudits to you, sir!

[daveapplemotors]

It is a RELIEF to listen to the facts and TRUTH. Thank you very much.

[lorijudd]

Brilliantly done, sir! As a scientist and a technician, I applaud your ability to make understandable some difficult, but important, concepts and history.
I thank you, and my children's children will thank you.

[joemelton]

Outstanding! Such a simple presentation... BRILLIANTLY DONE!

[tobybartels]

Sometimes successful progress in science means discarding past ideas, but sometimes it means adhering to them to interpret your results correctly. The difficulty lies in distinguishing these cases.

[Ale-mvgr]

Its very interesting how we have such a difficult time accepting ideas that might seem strange, but are coherent with what happens in the world. I mean, people at the time had such a difficult time accepting germ theory and now nobody doubts it, but to reach this point, it was a long and difficult task. I wonder what things in the future will be considered common knowledge that today we cant even begin to imagine.

[FreeRadical]

This whisked me back to my earliest days in university microbiology and pharmacology. It was a walk down memory lane, evoking some forgotten early teachings. Thanks for this history lesson!

[richardgarrity]

I always liked your channel, but on seeing your behind the scenes video, I like it even more, I thought you were a history professor from some university, and I thought at last someone who teaches without condesention. Delighted to hear you can make a living form this, especially since you were laid off, bieng nearly 70 and been laid off more than once, that is how I came across u tube, the knowledge skill information, I have found so many people to admire, ordinary people with amazing skills and knowledge, thank you for reawakening my love of history, please keep up the good work, thank you once again

[jacquelinechristensen]

As a biology major in college, I took a microbiology course. This was over fifty years ago. Never pursued the biology field in my working life . This was good reminder of something I had forgotten. Thank you for the review of microbiology.

[briangarrow]

Thank you to everyone who is out there working, on whatever job you are doing. Clerks, truckers, nurses, and the History Guy all deserve a round of applause.
Please be safe people. I understand how painful this isolation is for everyone. And I appreciate your contribution to the public good.

[semichiganandy]

From the great Max Plank: "Science advances one funeral at a time."

[BoopShooBee]

"She had the complexion of a milk maid." was a phrase used back in the days when very many people had scars from having had small pox.

[MrJohnisthename]

Learned something new once again, Love your channel.

[galenwest]

As a person named Galen, I love when I learn more about the original Galen.

[patrickmurphy]

History Guy, thank you for keeping me and I assume many people like me entertained and educated during this period of self isolation. I'm always looking forward to your next piece of history that deserves to be remembered.

[PhilipLeitch]

As someone who studied immunology, this is content that should have been in my course. Thank you.

[wendychavez]

"The Cobra Event" by Richard Preston is where I first started learning about virology. Scary stuff! You have helped me learn slightly more. Wow. The world is an odd place.

[Jedward]

Another great video. Thanks for your contributions to intellectual enhancement.