What name was given to noxious vapour, rising from organic matter, which pollutes the atmosphere?

Hence the name malaria, from latin which means bad air.

This theory was still prevalent in the mid nineteenth century and is the reason why many houses of the era are built with their primary living and sleeping quarters on the second and third floors.

great info!

I am a bit on the chunky (fat) side of the scale. As I lost my sense of smell permanently 30 years ago howI wish the old theory of food aromas were true

Thank you, Nausicaä! Also, it's the 35th Anniversary of the film (not sure when the comics were written) release, this month! Go check it out