Ignaz Semmelweis
Discovered that handwashing could drastically reduce the incidence of puerperal fever, though his findings were initially rejected.
Most quoted
"When I look back upon the past, I see the error of my ways, but I also see the error of the ways of my opponents. I see that I was too impatient, too impetuous, too unyielding. But I also see that they were too blind, too prejudiced, too obstinate."
— from Reflections on his career
"Puerperal fever is a blood poisoning caused by the absorption of putrid organic matter, originating from cadaveric particles, into the blood of the parturient woman."
— from Die Ätiologie, der Begriff und die Prophylaxis des Kindbettfiebers, 1861
"I have discovered the cause of puerperal fever, and it is nothing but the cadaveric particles adhering to the hands of the examining physicians and students."
— from Letter to Professor Skoda, 1847
All quotes by Ignaz Semmelweis (353)
I have been persecuted, reviled, and ridiculed, but I have never wavered in my conviction.
The greatest tragedy is not death itself, but the preventable death that could have been avoided by knowledge.
Consciousness of error is the first step towards progress.
The beauty of science lies in its ability to reveal hidden truths.
Life is precious, and every effort must be made to preserve it.
The human mind, when clouded by prejudice, can resist even the clearest evidence.
My work is a testament to the power of observation and logical deduction.
The suffering of mothers is a burden I cannot bear silently.
To ignore the truth is to condemn the innocent.
The path to knowledge is often fraught with resistance and disbelief.
The meaning of life is found in serving humanity.
Death is a part of life, but unnecessary death is a tragedy.
The light of truth will eventually dispel the darkness of ignorance.
My conscience compels me to speak out, even if it means my own ruin.
The pursuit of knowledge is a sacred duty.
The human spirit, though fragile, can endure immense suffering for a just cause.
There is a profound beauty in the simplicity of a life-saving solution.
To understand the cause is to possess the power to prevent.
The greatest reward is the knowledge that one has saved a life.
The struggle for truth is a lonely one, but it is worth fighting.
Contemporaries of Ignaz Semmelweis
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Ignaz Semmelweis (1818–1865).