The error was: instead of making a thesis to prove there's was a correlation, he instead made a thesis trying to explain (poorly) why it happened.

His peers, instead of investigating further, chose to just disregard it completely, and keep killing women.

This history is a perfect example about how being correct doesn't mean you're right. It's the difference between being logic or wise. Sadly, I see this reaction all too often.

All knowledge in the world is worth nothing if people can't reason, use intuition, be empathic and remove the ego out of the equation. Western-culture prides itself about scientifical feats and economical progress, but still has much to evolve about developing human beings. That was in 1800, but can easily happen today - just look at global warming theory.