ZYMOTIC DOCTRINE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "zymotic doctrine" refers to a historical medical theory prevalent in the 19th century, primarily during the Victorian era. It stems from the word "zymotic," derived from the Greek word "zymoticos," meaning pertaining to fermentation. The doctrine revolves around the belief that infectious diseases are caused by agents or poisons that originate from external sources and can spread or ferment within the human body.
According to the zymotic doctrine, diseases were thought to be produced by specific and identifiable agents known as miasmas. These miasmas were considered to be invisible particles or poisonous vapors, arising from decomposing organic matter, foul odors, or contaminated water. These harmful agents were believed to enter the human body through the air or ingestion, leading to the development and transmission of various infectious diseases, including cholera, typhoid fever, and tuberculosis.
The zymotic doctrine had a significant impact on public health policy and hygiene practices during that time. Measures were implemented to address the environmental factors that were believed to contribute to the production of the miasmas, such as improving sanitation, sewage systems, and waste disposal. The emergence of this theory also led to advancements in the understanding of epidemiology, paving the way for further research and discoveries in the field of infectious diseases.
However, with the advancements in scientific knowledge and the germ theory of disease formulated by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch in the late 19th century, the zymotic doctrine gradually lost its prominence and was eventually replaced by a more modern and evidence-based understanding of infectious diseases.
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The doctrine that an infectious disease is in its nature essentially a fermentative process.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ZYMOTIC DOCTRINE
- xymotic doctrine
- symotic doctrine
- aymotic doctrine
- ztmotic doctrine
- zgmotic doctrine
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- zumotic doctrine
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- zymoric doctrine
- zymofic doctrine
Etymology of ZYMOTIC DOCTRINE
The word "zymotic" originates from the Greek term "zymosis", meaning "fermentation". It was first used in the early 19th century by British physician William Farr to describe the spread of contagious diseases through fermentation processes, particularly in the context of epidemics. The "doctrine" part of the expression simply refers to an established body of teachings or principles. Therefore, the etymology of the term "zymotic doctrine" is rooted in the concept of contagion and its spread, reflecting the understanding of infectious diseases during that time.
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