How did Joseph Lister contribute to the germ theory of disease?

Joseph Lister significantly advanced the germ theory of disease through his introduction of antiseptic surgical techniques. By applying carbolic acid (phenol) to sterilize surgical instruments and clean wounds, he dramatically reduced postoperative infections and mortality rates. His work provided crucial evidence that microorganisms could cause infections, reinforcing the importance of hygiene in medical practices and laying the groundwork for modern surgical procedures. Lister's findings validated Louis Pasteur's germ theory, ultimately transforming how surgeries were performed and improving patient outcomes.