Hello,

"Miasma Theory
Miasmas are poisonous emanations, from putrefying carcasses, rotting
vegetation or molds, and invisible dust particles inside dwellings.
They were once believed to enter the body and cause disease. This
belief dates at least from classical Greece in the fourth or fifth
century B.C.E., and it persisted, alongside other theories and models
for disease causation, until the middle of the nineteenth century. To
some extent the belief still persists today.Miasma: A poisonous vapor
or mist believed to be made up of particles from decomposing material
that could cause disease and could be identified by its foul
smell."Although the miasma theory proved incorrect, it represented some
recognition of the relation between dirtiness and disease. It
encouraged cleanliness and paved the way for public health reform.The
miasma theory also helped interest scientists in decaying matter and
led eventually to the identification of microbes as agents of
infectious disease.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=19304
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=19304 "

Even though this theory is proved incorrect and replaced by "Gene
Theory", but still:-

1. Can "miasma theory" still hold some good as on today?

2. Can miasma be a indirect cause of infection by attracting the
microbes and infecting  to some suspectible and sensitive people
instead of direct causing the disease?

3. Whether different miasma is disease/microbe specific?

4. Can smell of miasma be related to some pre-indication of any
possible infection?

Somewhat alike: Effects can be from food, but its smell can also matter
due to cephalic phase effect or by its sensation before stomach. ??

I am asking it, because I got some cold cough  by getting strong smell
from shoes/shocks/foot of other person. ??

Best wishes.