Final answer:
Louis Pasteur's publication of the germ theory greatly influenced the field of medicine between 1700 and 1900 by proving that diseases are caused by microbes, leading to improved sanitation and the development of vaccines, which significantly decreased mortality rates from infectious diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Louis Pasteur's Contribution to Medicine
The germ theory publication by Louis Pasteur is often considered a monumental turning point in the medical field between 1700 and 1900. Pasteur, a French chemist, embarked on groundbreaking research beginning with experiments on fermentation in 1854 and subsequently proving that diseases were caused by microscopic organisms, known as microbes or germs. This foundational work laid the groundwork for the field of bacteriology.
Pasteur's achievement in disproving spontaneous generation led to innovative methodologies, such as the development of pasteurization, to ensure the safety of foodstuffs and the creation of vaccines for diseases such as anthrax and rabies. His research in identifying the bacterial cause of puerperal fever and pushing forward the acceptance of germ theory revolutionized medical science and significantly reduced mortality rates from infectious diseases.
Following Pasteur's lead, other scientists, including Robert Koch and Joseph Lister, made further discoveries that established the germ theory of disease. These accomplishments collectively accounted for a dramatic decrease in infectious disease deaths in Europe towards the end of the 19th century and laid the foundation for modern epidemiology and advancements in sanitation, antiseptics, and vaccination.