Chapter 56 - 54 Malaria
"Control...variables?"
The assembled scholars, all elites educated at the Academic Palace, furrowed their brows thoughtfully and quickly grasped the gist of what Li Ang meant.
"Is it mosquitoes, not evil miasmas, that cause malaria?"
Song Shaoyuan and Zhai Yiming’s eyes widened as they murmured to themselves.
Ji Linglang appeared pensive.
Yang Yu curiously looked at Li Ang. Regardless of whether he was right or not, the theory that mosquitoes caused malaria was novel, distinct from the conventional ideas of evil miasmas, Malaria Demons, or [illness being a consequence of] disloyalty and unfilial conduct.
The servant standing at the doorway maintained a respectful and restrained posture, showing no sign of movement. His ear merely twitched, as if he had heard a command from the next room, and he respectfully cupped his hands to ask, "So, young master, do you have any evidence?"
"Evidence, too, can be obtained through controlling variables," Li Ang considered and said, "If your master has the time and inclination, he could send people to investigate various workshops to inquire about the geographical conditions of each and find out the number of residents within the workshop who have suffered from or died from malaria.
Residential areas with high terrain, no water or grass nearby, few mosquitoes.
Residential areas with high terrain, water and grass nearby, many mosquitoes.
Residential areas with low terrain, no water or grass nearby, few mosquitoes.
Residential areas with low terrain, water and grass nearby, many mosquitoes.