EPOB 3400 Microbiology Microbiology , Lec 2. Today we will discuss the history of microbiology as a Science and the use and influence of microbes over the ages. I want you to pay attention to the history but also to the ideas that I bring up. We will revisit many of these ideas as the course goes on.
History is just one way to learn to understand the process and results of science.
Obviously humans have had to deal with microbes even before the dawn of recorded history. The first records of humans using microbes comes from ancient tablets from the Mid East. Detailed instructions for making beer can also be found in 6000 year-old hieroglyphics in Egypt. Grape juice left open to the air soon rots beyond recognition. You will learn the details of fermentations in a few weeks.