Answer:
The central idea of the passage "On the Mode of Communication of Cholera" is the exploration of how cholera is transmitted among populations. The passage delves into the hypothesis that cholera is spread through contaminated water sources rather than through direct contact between individuals.
1. The passage discusses the observations made by Dr. John Snow during the 1854 cholera outbreak in London, where he noticed a concentration of cases around a particular contaminated water pump on Broad Street.
2. It explains how Dr. Snow's investigation and mapping of cholera cases provided evidence to support the theory of waterborne transmission of the disease.
3. The passage highlights the significance of Dr. Snow's work in identifying the source of the outbreak and ultimately contributing to the understanding of cholera transmission and the development of public health measures to prevent its spread.
In summary, the central idea of the passage is the role of contaminated water sources in the transmission of cholera and the importance of understanding and addressing this mode of communication to control outbreaks.
Explanation: