What was a key factor in Lister's success in implementing antiseptic methods?

Lister's success in implementing antiseptic methods can be largely attributed to his influence from Pasteur's germ theory. This groundbreaking theory, which proposed that microorganisms were responsible for infection and disease, provided the scientific basis for Lister's antiseptic practices. Prior to the acceptance of germ theory, many surgeons were unaware of the actual causes of postoperative infections and deaths. However, once Lister adopted and applied Pasteur's findings by introducing measures to sterilize his instruments and clean surgical environments, he was able to significantly reduce the incidence of surgery-related infections. This foundational understanding of germs and their role in infection directly shaped Lister's methodologies and allowed him to effectively promote antiseptic techniques within the medical community.