Robert Koch (1843–1910) was a German physician and microbiologist whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern bacteriology and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905. Born in Clausthal, Germany, Koch’s pioneering research focused on identifying the causative agents of infectious diseases. In 1876, he discovered the bacterium responsible for anthrax, demonstrating the link between a specific microorganism and a particular disease. Koch’s subsequent investigations into tuberculosis led to his isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1882, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the field of microbiology. He also developed Koch’s postulates, a set of criteria used to establish the causative relationship between a microorganism and a disease. Koch’s contributions revolutionized the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases, earning him recognition as one of the most influential scientists in medical history.

Robert Koch Quotes

1. “The pure culture is the foundation for all research on infectious disease.”
— Robert Koch

2. “If my efforts have led to greater success than usual, this is due, I believe, to the fact that during my wanderings in the field of medicine, I have strayed onto paths where the gold was still lying by the wayside. It takes a little luck to be able to distinguish gold from dross, but that is all.”
— Robert Koch

3. “The day will come when man will have to fight noise as inexorably as cholera and the plague.”
— Robert Koch

4. “Our studies have shown that all cases of typhoid of this type have arisen by contact, that is, carried directly from one person to another. There was no trace of a connection to drinking water.”
— Robert Koch

5. “From my numerous observations, I conclude that these tubercle bacilli occur in all tuberculous disorders, and that they are distinguishable from all other microorganisms.”
— Robert Koch

6. “In view of the epidemiological situation in Germany, the lack of evidence for the effectiveness of the BCG-vaccine and the not uncommen severe, undesired side-effects of the BCG vaccine, the STIKO can no longer support the recommendation for this vaccination.”
— Robert Koch

7. “However, on many occasions, I examined normal blood and normal tissues and there was no possibility of overlooking bacteria or confusing them with granular masses of equal size. I never found organisms. Thus, I conclude that bacteria do not occur in healthy human or animal tissues.”
— Robert Koch