Одеколон і уявлення про «погане повітря»

In early modern Europe, many people believed that “miasmas”—foul, corrupted air—caused plague; aromatic herbs, vinegar, and scented preparations were thought to purify air or protect against disease. Eau de Cologne, which appeared in Cologne in the early 18th century, was initially marketed also as a medicinal cure-all; later sources list it among products believed to prevent plague. In reality, fragrance does not neutralize plague bacteria: plague is caused by *Yersinia pestis* and is usually transmitted by infected fleas, contact with infected animal tissues, or, in pneumonic cases, respiratory droplets during close contact.