John Snow – College Essay Example
John Snow – College Essay Example

John Snow – College Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (480 words)
  • Published: October 17, 2016
  • Type: Case Study
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John Snow, a British physician, achieved fame through his groundbreaking work in epidemiology. He played a crucial role in identifying the source of a cholera outbreak that occurred in Soho, England in 1984. Born on March 15, 1813 and passing away on June 16, 1858, he conducted extensive research in anesthesia, medical hygiene, and the advancement of epidemiology. His investigations covered various aspects of epidemiology including physical, chemical, biological sociological, and political processes.

Snow disagreed with the miasma theory that diseases like cholera were caused by pollution or "bad air" (John, 2009). Despite not knowing how diseases were transmitted at the time, he contended that cholera must be caused by a poison affecting the gastrointestinal tract and resulting in digestive system symptoms primarily (Aschengrau & Seage, 2008). This conviction eventually led h

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im to determine that the disease was probably acquired through consuming a particular type of poison—later identified as waterborne.

The "Broad street epidemic research" was a revolutionary study that proved cholera was spreading through contaminated water. This study led to the development of a hypothesis that identified the Broad Street water supply as the source of the disease. The hypothesis was based on the observation that all affected individuals lived in the same area and drank water from the Broad Street pump. As a result, prompt action was taken to remove the pump handle. This intervention successfully reduced disease rates, providing solid evidence for the hypothesized cause of cholera.

In his research, he discovered the homes of people who had died from cholera in London. He established a direct connection between the source of drinking water and the frequency

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of deaths. Additionally, he conducted a statistical analysis comparing the number of cholera deaths in different areas with varying water supplies. This analysis showed that both the number of deaths and especially the mortality rate were significantly higher among those supplied by the Southwark company (Aschengrau & Seage, 2008).

Drawing on his research and discoveries, he formulated a theory concerning the origin and spread of contagious illnesses. He postulated that contaminated water was the means through which cholera was transmitted. Furthermore, he actively supported the afflicted community by advocating for improved water supply, even before identifying the actual agent responsible for cholera. In 1849, he released a publication entitled "On the Mode of Communication of Cholera."

In order to prevent cholera, he proposed various methods. Among these recommendations was the importance of maintaining a clean and uncontaminated water supply for drinking purposes, free from "cesspools, house-drains, or sewers" (Aschengrau & Seage, 2008). If there is any suspicion of contamination, it was advised to boil and filter the water before consumption.

John Snow revolutionized epidemiology with his notable contributions, which are regarded as a major progress in the field. His remarkable achievements include adeptly organizing his findings, conducting natural experiments, and quantitatively analyzing the collected data. These combined efforts firmly establish the link between cholera outbreaks and the Drinking Water Company.

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