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The Germ Theory of Disease (also called the pathogenic theory of medicine) is a scientific theory that suggests that [[microorganisms]] are the cause of many diseases. This theory was extremely controversial when first proposed, but today it is the backbone of modern medicine. This theory was first proposed by [[Girolamo Fracastoro]] in [[1546]] and was furthered by many other scientists before it became widely accepted as true.

The Germ Theory of Disease (also called the pathogenic theory of medicine) is a scientific theory that suggests that [[microorganisms]] are the cause of many diseases. This theory was extremely controversial when first proposed, but today it is the backbone of modern medicine.  

Prior to germ theory, it was widely believed that disease was spread by smell. As disease-spreading conditions - rotting meat, open sewage, and such things - was often highly odorous, the smell and disease were associated. Disease was also often attributed to demonic influence - although demonic posession must exist as it it mentioned in Scripture<ref>Mark 5:1-13</ref>, it is a rare occurance, and almost all disease attributed to it was a result of other causes.

Prior to germ theory, it was widely believed that disease was spread by smell. As disease-spreading conditions - rotting meat, open sewage, and such things - was often highly odorous, the smell and disease were associated. Disease was also often attributed to demonic influence - although demonic posession must exist as it it mentioned in Scripture<ref>Mark 5:1-13</ref>, it is a rare occurance, and almost all disease attributed to it was a result of other causes.