Re: Why do scientists wear white lab coats?

Dear Emily,

Scientists wore white lab coats before medical doctors.  In the mid-1800s 
scientists had shown that many of medicines cures were no good.  Scientists 
and their inventions were more respected and trusted. Therefore, in order  
to achieve more respect and trust, medical doctors took on the white lab 
coat which symbolized scientists.  Another major visual clue of medical 
doctors is the stethoscope around there necks.  For further information you 
can look at The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) 
1999;281:478.

Dr. Smerken