Microscoopopname van bederfbacteriën before 1885

This is a microscopic image of bacteria, made by Gustav Hauser, a physician and professor of histology and general pathology in Erlangen, Germany, in the late 19th and early 20th century. The picture captures the scientific fascination with microorganisms and their role in disease. The late 19th century was a pivotal time when germ theory was gaining acceptance, revolutionizing medical practices. Hauser's work was part of a larger movement to understand and visualize these unseen entities. The image reflects the anxiety around unseen organisms in the home and questions of hygiene that shaped the era's social consciousness. Beyond its scientific value, the image has aesthetic and historical qualities. It reflects the cultural shift in understanding the minute, and our relationship to our bodies. It invites contemplation on the emotional impact of scientific discoveries, revealing both wonder and the unsettling implications of our microbial existence.