Final answer:
Joseph Lister played a significant role in microbial disease by introducing protocols for the proper care and sterilization of surgical wounds. His work contributed to the acceptance of the germ theory of disease and greatly improved the success of medical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Joseph Lister played a significant role in microbial disease by introducing protocols for the proper care and sterilization of surgical wounds. His work contributed to the acceptance of the germ theory of disease, which states that microscopic organisms called germs can cause diseases. Lister discovered the disinfecting properties of carbolic acid and implemented its use in cleaning surgical tools and the surgical site to reduce infection rates. His practices became standard medical procedures and greatly improved the success of medical procedures.