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)
The spiritual reward of saving a life transcends all earthly recognition.
Puerperal fever is a blood poisoning caused by the absorption of putrid organic matter from the cadaveric particles introduced into the genital tract.
I have discovered the cause of puerperal fever, and it is nothing else than cadaveric particles introduced into the genital tract of the lying-in woman.
The disease is not an epidemic, but a poisoning.
Physicians and students are the carriers of death.
The hands of the physicians and students are the vehicles of the cadaveric particles.
Wash your hands with chlorinated lime solution before examining pregnant women.
The mortality rate in the First Obstetric Clinic has decreased significantly since the introduction of handwashing with chlorinated lime.
Those who refuse to wash their hands are murderers.
The professors of obstetrics are responsible for the deaths of countless women.
I am not a prophet, but I tell you that the time will come when this truth will be recognized.
The medical establishment is blind to the truth.
The resistance to my ideas is due to professional jealousy and ignorance.
The lives of mothers are more important than the pride of professors.
The truth will prevail, even if it is suppressed for a time.
The cadaveric poison can be carried by instruments as well as by hands.
The putrid organic matter can originate from living organisms as well, not just cadavers.
The disease is preventable, and therefore, its occurrence is a crime.
I have shown you the way to save lives; it is up to you to follow it.
The medical world is apathetic to the suffering of women.
Contemporaries of Ignaz Semmelweis
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Ignaz Semmelweis (1818–1865).