A mere ritual or incantation?”: local disinfection policy in late nineteenth century England

Rebecca Whyte, (Scottish Government/University of Cambridge)

Disinfection as a public health intervention came of age in the late nineteenth century, when germ theories and public health legislation made disinfection of objects, places and people an increasing part of the day-to-day work of local medical officers of health. Rebecca Whyte's talk explores the evolution of disinfection policy in five case study Lancashire towns, identifying the chronology and nature of policy change in the context of national legislation, developments in scientific knowledge and medical debates. Her presentation illuminates wider debates about the role of scientific knowledge and practical experience in shaping policy and practice in public health.