Joseph Lister

Medicine English 1827 – 1912 420 quotes

Father of antiseptic surgery

Quotes by Joseph Lister

Let us never forget that we are dealing with human lives, and that our responsibility is immense.

Attributed

I am more and more convinced that the antiseptic principle is the only true one, and that it will ultimately prevail.

Letter to his father, Joseph Jackson Lister 1870

It is a great satisfaction to me to feel that I have been instrumental in saving so many lives.

Letter to his wife, Agnes Lister 1875

The great object of surgery is to save life, and to do this we must prevent putrefaction.

Letter to Professor James Syme 1867

I have been much gratified by the success which has attended my efforts to introduce the antiseptic system into surgical practice.

Letter to a colleague 1872

The more I see of the results of antiseptic surgery, the more I am convinced of its truth and importance.

Diary entry 1878

It is not enough to be able to perform operations; we must also be able to prevent the evils which so often follow them.

Letter to a medical student 1865

I have always felt that the true physician should be a man of science as well as a man of humanity.

Letter to a friend 1880

The opposition I have met with has only served to strengthen my conviction of the truth of my views.

Letter to his brother 1873

I am deeply sensible of the responsibility which rests upon me in advocating a new system of practice.

Letter to the Lancet 1868

The progress of science depends upon the careful observation of facts and the logical deduction of conclusions.

Diary entry 1885

I have never allowed myself to be discouraged by difficulties, but have always striven to overcome them.

Letter to a young surgeon 1877

The greatest reward of my labours is the knowledge that I have been able to alleviate human suffering.

Letter to his niece 1890

I believe that the future of surgery lies in the adoption of antiseptic principles.

Letter to a medical journal editor 1871

It is a great comfort to me to know that my work has been appreciated by my professional brethren.

Letter to a colleague 1882

The human body is a wonderful mechanism, and it is our duty to preserve it from disease and injury.

Lecture notes 1866

I have always endeavoured to be guided by the dictates of reason and experience.

Diary entry 1879

The introduction of carbolic acid has revolutionized surgical practice.

Letter to a friend 1869

I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from my family and friends.

Letter to his wife, Agnes Lister 1888

The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavour, and it is one that I have always cherished.

Diary entry 1892