Enacting a Federal Law

• Prompted by a new scientific "revolution"

  • Radium and X-rays

  • Microbes to create wine and cheese

  • Pasteurization to preserve milk

  • New foods, e.g. oleomargarine

  • Vaccines and vaccinations to protect against disease

    • 1902 Biologics Control Act

In the late 19th century America witnessed a revolution in science. Frenchman Louis Pasteur's discovery of microbes lay at the heart of the revolution while German scientist William Roentgen's discovery of the x-ray also opened up new opportunities in science, medicine, and commerce. Radium, discovered by Marie Curie was quickly put to use therapeutically for the treatment of tumors. Microbes were harnessed to create a domestic wine and cheese industry; and the pasteurization of milk helped children nutritionally, but also helped prevent the spread of disease. New foods, such as baking powder, and oleomargarine changed WHAT America ate, as new processing methods, including refrigerated and canned foods changed HOW America ate. In 1902 the Biologics Control Act was passed to protect the public from unsafe vaccines, serums, and antitoxins as children and adults began to accept vaccination as a viable and effective public health measure.