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Surgical theaters were once far from clean places, and considered a torture chamber by some. Death rates in hospitals were high, as much as 15% or so. What is it that causes the dreaded fever that claims so many lives?
Under a microscope, microbes are discovered to be the culprit, and an uphill battle to have medical staff do the simple task of washing hands begins.
Indignant doctors scoff at the controversal practice. Their hands are already clean! Who has time for such petty things? Still, an experiment is allowed for side by side wards, one to be cleaned and sterilized, and the other to carry out duties as usual. What do you think they’ll find? Imagine that! A decreased mortality rate of less than 1%. But wait, there’s a little twist to the story.
