Who is credited with introducing new principles of cleanliness that transformed surgical practices in the late 1800s?

Joseph Lister is credited with introducing new principles of cleanliness that significantly transformed surgical practices in the late 1800s. His work laid the foundation for modern antiseptic techniques, emphasizing the importance of sterilization and the use of antiseptics to reduce infection rates during surgery. Lister's introduction of carbolic acid as a disinfectant was revolutionary, leading to a drastic decrease in post-operative infections and mortality rates.

The principles he advocated, such as sterilizing surgical instruments and maintaining a clean environment, are now fundamental practices in surgery and infection control. His insights into the microbial causes of infection helped to shift the perspective of surgical practices from being purely procedural to also focusing on infection prevention, thereby saving countless lives. This transformation has had lasting impact on medical practices and patient safety.