In the late 1800s, plant pathology was predominantly a German endeavor; the science was still in its infancy in the United States. At that time, most known plant diseases were caused by fungi and a few by nematodes. The pioneering works in plant virology had been published but were not yet in the scientific eye, and little work had been done on bacterial diseases of plants. It was against this background that the Fischer-Smith controversy was set. This controversy has been hailed by some as a clash in which an infant American Plant Pathology rose up against the seasoned German Plant Pathology to prove that bacteria do, indeed, cause plant diseases. This controversy also has been viewed by many as one in which a brash, young American, Erwin F. Smith, defended his cause against the determination and reputation of a well-established German professor, Alfred Fischer. Ultimately, the exchange between Smith and Fischer proved nothing. The seven papers they published between 1897 and 1901 contained no new information but merely summarized and restated information that had already been published.

The Fischer-Smith Controversy: Are There Bacterial Diseases of Plants?

Lectures on Bacteria, by Alfred Fischer

Are There Bacterial Diseases of Plants? A consideration of some statements in Dr. Alfred Fischer's Lectures on Bacteria, by Erwin F. Smith

The Bacterial Diseases of Plants; Answer to Dr. Erwin F. Smith, by Alfred Fischer

Dr. Alfred Fischer in the Role of Pathologist, by Erwin F. Smith

Reply to Alfred Fischer's “Answer” in Regard to the Existence of Bacteria-Caused Plant Diseases; Second Part, by Erwin F. Smith

Reply to Alfred Fischer's “Answer” in Regard to the Existence of Bacteria-Caused Plant Diseases; Second Part (Continuation), by Erwin F. Smith

Reply to Alfred Fischer's “Answer” in Regard to the Existence of Bacteria-Caused Plant Diseases; Second Part (Conclusion), by Erwin F. Smith

Plates I-XI

Afterword