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 greatest obstacle to progress is not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge.
My conscience compels me to speak out, even if it means facing opposition.
The lives of patients are more important than the pride of physicians.
I have no personal gain from this discovery, only the satisfaction of saving lives.
The truth will ultimately triumph, no matter how long it takes.
I call upon all physicians to embrace this simple truth and save countless lives.
The responsibility for the deaths of these women lies with those who refuse to accept the truth.
My only desire is to see an end to the senseless deaths caused by puerperal fever.
The facts speak for themselves, and they cannot be ignored.
I have presented the evidence, and now it is up to others to act.
The greatest joy for a physician is to save a life.
I am a physician, and my duty is to heal, not to harm.
The path to progress is often paved with resistance and skepticism.
I have done my part; now it is up to the medical community to do theirs.
The suffering of humanity is a burden that we must all strive to alleviate.
The truth is a powerful weapon against ignorance and superstition.
I will not rest until the scourge of puerperal fever is eradicated.
The lives of mothers are precious, and we must do everything in our power to protect them.
The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor, but it must be guided by compassion.
I have witnessed the horrors of puerperal fever, and I cannot turn a blind eye.
Contemporaries of Ignaz Semmelweis
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Ignaz Semmelweis (1818–1865).