Abstract
ABSTRACTThis article focuses on autointoxication, a discredited medical theory from the late nineteenth century that provides important points of reflection for today’s research on the role of microbes in the human gut for mental health. It considers how the theory of autointoxication, which came into great prominence amongst physicians and the general public worldwide, fell from grace by the middle of the twentieth century, and briefly asks why studies of the human microbiome are now back in vogue. It departs from earlier articles on the topic firstly by arguing that autointoxication theory was especially prevalent in France, and secondly by focusing on the application of this theory to mental health. Bringing to light medical treatises and theses from this period which have so far remained unexamined, it shows that examining the development and reception of medical theories form the past can help us today in understanding both the pitfalls and promise of research in this area.
Highlights
As recently as 2005, the suggestion that bacteria in the human gut could be a factor in mental health was highly speculative, even contentious [1]
This article focuses on autointoxication, a discredited medical theory from the late nineteenth century that provides important points of reflection for today’s research on the role of microbes in the human gut for mental health
It departs from earlier articles on the topic firstly by arguing that autointoxication theory was especially prevalent in France, and secondly by focusing on the application of this theory to mental health
Summary
MICROBIAL ECOLOGY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2018, VOL.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
