In 1860, Louis Pasteur’s groundbreaking theory positing that invisible germs are the root cause of numerous infections served as the inspiration for an English doctor named Joseph Lister. Pasteur’s work revolutionized the understanding of disease and paved the way for new medical practices.
Five years later, in 1865, Dr. Lister achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first surgeon to conduct an operation within a chamber meticulously sterilized by pulverizing antiseptic into the air. This innovative approach to surgery led to a significant decline in mortality rates, marking a turning point in medical history. Lister’s methods dramatically reduced the risk of post-operative infections, saving countless lives.
In 1876, Dr. Lister publicly acknowledged the contributions of two individuals who were instrumental in modernizing surgical practices: Dr. Joseph Lawrence and Robert Wood Johnson, the founder of Johnson & Johnson. Inspired by Lister’s work, Lawrence developed a unique antiseptic formula intended for use in surgeries and for bathing wounds. This formula also proved remarkably effective at eliminating germs in the mouth, leading to its later use as a mouthwash.
In 1881, the Lambert Pharmaceutical Co. acquired the rights to the LISTERINE® formula and commenced its production and marketing. This marked the beginning of LISTERINE®‘s widespread availability and its establishment as a household name in oral hygiene. [1]
As Paul Harvey would say, “Now you know the rest of the story.” But there’s more to tell. Lister was not only a doctor but also a man of faith. He stated, “I am a believer in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity.” He joins scores of highly recognizable names identified as scientists AND creationists, such as Newton in physics and Galileo in astronomy, just to name two. Yet there are many others who were more than creationists, but Christians.
Dr. James Simpson is one in particular. In 1811, he discovered chloroform’s anesthetic qualities, leading to its medical value worldwide. “Christianity works,” he said, “because it is supremely true and therefore supremely livable. There is nothing incompatible between religion and science.” When asked what his greatest discovery was, Dr. Simpson replied, “It was not chloroform. It was to know I am a sinner and that I could be saved by the grace of God. A man has missed the whole meaning of life if he has not entered into an active, living relationship with God through Christ.” [2]
Sources:
[1] http://www.listerine.com/about – accessed June 25, 2016
[2] Ray Comfort, Scientific Facts in the Bible (Bridge-Logos, 2001), 35-36.