I’ll begin with a quote:
Two scientists contributed to the discovery of the first virus, Tobacco mosaic virus. Ivanoski reported in 1892 that extracts from infected leaves were still infectious after filtration through a Chamberland filter-candle. Bacteria are retained by such filters, a new world was discovered: filterable pathogens. However, Ivanovski probably did not grasp the full meaning of his discovery. Beijerinck, in 1898, was the first to call ‘virus’, the incitant of the tobacco mosaic. He showed that the incitant was able to migrate in an agar gel, therefore being an infectious soluble agent, or a ‘contagium vivum fluidum’ and definitively not a ‘contagium fixum’ as would be a bacteria. Ivanovski and Beijerinck brought unequal but decisive and complementary contributions to the discovery of viruses. Since then, discoveries made on Tobacco mosaic virus have stood out as milestones of virology history.
= Lecoq H,
So virology is only just about 120 years old and intimately linked to tobacco in its inception. Before that, people used to believe in demons causing illness, indeed a Chinese medical student around the same time was heard to remark “what is the difference between your idea of bacteria and viruses and ours of demons which you can’t see?”. In reality, it is a question of empiricism and observation. As always, the theory or thought inception comes first, then the phenomena is observed, yet some people claim they can see demons with their third eye or otherwise. The fact is, all creation is in our imagination, and the best way to respond is to ignore, unless you want to build on it. Building on viruses we know have anti-virals and vaccines in a never-ending war. Choose your battles wisely, I personally do not need this war, though I am not complaining. Thank you.