Graphic Panel, John Snow's Cholera Maps

John Snow (British, 1813–1858) helped found epidemiology, the study of the distribution and causes of disease. In the 19th century, many people believed that cholera was caused by the unhealthy habits of people living in poverty. Snow’s scientific maps proved that contaminated water—not dirty air or an immoral lifestyle—caused the spread of cholera.

Driven partly by Snow’s research, modern urban sewage systems were created to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera. Today, sewage systems can be monitored for data about disease outbreaks, including COVID-19.

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Design and Healing: Creative Responses to Epidemics.