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[Not Available].

C Gradmann1

  • 1Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Institut für Geschichte der Medizin.

Berichte Zur Wissenschaftsgeschichte
|January 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Bacteriology metaphors in Germany framed disease as a war against microbes. These scientific metaphors influenced political language, notably shaping antisemitic rhetoric.

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Area of Science:

  • History of Science
  • Medical Humanities
  • German History

Context:

  • The era of William II in Germany saw widespread use of bacteriology metaphors.
  • These metaphors reflected and shaped popular understanding of disease.
  • Bacteriology's prestige was leveraged in political discourse.

Purpose:

  • To analyze the use and impact of bacteriology metaphors in Germany during William II's reign.
  • To explore the intersection of scientific concepts and popular/political language.
  • To examine how bacteriology metaphors influenced perceptions of disease and enemies.

Summary:

  • The study examines how metaphors from bacteriology, prevalent in Germany under William II, shaped popular understanding of disease as a conflict between physicians and microbes.

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  • These metaphors transcended scientific discourse, becoming integrated into the political language of the era.
  • The prestige of bacteriology was utilized to legitimize the portrayal of perceived enemies as infectious threats.
  • While distinct from social Darwinism, bacteriological political language significantly influenced contemporary discourse, serving as a model for antisemitic rhetoric.

    • Impact:

    • Demonstrates the significant influence of scientific metaphors on public perception and political discourse.
    • Highlights the historical use of scientific concepts to legitimize prejudice and political agendas.
    • Provides insight into the linguistic and rhetorical strategies employed during a pivotal period in German history.