Joseph Lister

Life's meaning is in service to humanity.

The great principle of the antiseptic system is to prevent the decomposition of the discharges from the wound.

It is not the wound itself, but the putrefaction of the discharges from it, which is the cause of the mischief.

The object of the antiseptic treatment is to prevent the entrance of living organisms into the wound.

Carbolic acid, when properly diluted, has the power of destroying the vitality of these organisms without injuring the tissues.

The essential point is to apply the antiseptic in such a way as to ensure its contact with every part of the wound.

The success of the antiseptic system depends upon the most scrupulous attention to details.

I have been led to believe that the decomposition of organic substances is entirely due to the agency of living organisms.

The air, though it may contain the germs of putrefaction, is not the direct cause of it.

The great object of surgery is to save life, and to diminish suffering.

The surgeon, by adopting the antiseptic system, is enabled to perform operations which would otherwise be impossible.

The introduction of the antiseptic system has revolutionized the practice of surgery.

The principle of antiseptic surgery is to exclude from the wound all living organisms.

The surgeon should always bear in mind that he is dealing with living tissues, and that his aim should be to preserve their vitality.

The antiseptic system is not a mere empirical method, but is founded upon scientific principles.

The results obtained by the antiseptic system are so striking as to leave no doubt of its efficacy.

The ultimate success of the antiseptic system depends upon the thoroughness with which it is carried out.

The surgeon who neglects the antiseptic system is guilty of a grave dereliction of duty.

The antiseptic system is applicable to all wounds, whether accidental or operative.

The surgeon should always strive to prevent the occurrence of suppuration.