l concept would be sterility in hospitals, and the prevention of infections. The medieval term 'miasma' means 'a poisonous vapor or mist. These dangerous vapors were really infectious dusts from dried manure. Through a logical system of trial and error, however, villagers developed masks containing sweet smelling flowers, (or posies) which they found that, once worn to better tolerate the smell, also hindered the disease. This system of reasoning is one upon our current system is based. The theory led to the more general 'Bad Air theory', which lasted until the 1860s and 1870s. Although this was incorrect, it encouraged cleanliness and paved the way for public health reform. Florence Nightingale believed in miasmas and became famous for her work in making hospitals clean, fresh and airy. The theory also made scientists interested in decaying matter and this eventually led to the identification of germs, and not much later, sterilization of surgical instruments.These concepts increased the success of, and the development of surgery, and anatomical knowledge. Islamic doctors came to be seen as authorities in the field of surgery, because their awareness of the importance of sterile instruments caused a high success rate. By 1300 this led to many surgeons demanding the right to study anatomy and, therefore, to be able to dissect dead bodies. Islamic surgeons could perform limited eye operations, set bones, stitch wounds and treat tumors to some extent. Midwives performed some early Caesarian operations in the Middle Ages in Europe, although Caesarian deliveries would be only usually performed as a last resort if the mother were dead or dying. Today, surgery is more successful only because we have developed upon the same ideas that were established so long ago. Not only good aspects of medicine were shaped by medieval life. While most ideas and beliefs that remain from the Middle ages are beneficial, (and necessary for our survival) medi...
