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)
My wife is my greatest support. Without her, I would have given up long ago.
I have dedicated my life to this cause. There is no turning back.
The resistance I face is immense, but my conviction is stronger.
I wish I could make them understand the simplicity of it all.
My only desire is to see an end to this terrible disease.
They may silence me, but they cannot silence the truth.
I am tired, but I cannot rest while mothers are dying.
The future generations will recognize the importance of what I have done.
I am not seeking fame, but the recognition of a life-saving principle.
The greatest tragedy is not ignorance, but the refusal to learn.
Every death from puerperal fever is a preventable death.
I have no doubt that my theory is correct. The evidence is overwhelming.
To deny the facts is to deny humanity.
My colleagues, I implore you, wash your hands!
The truth is simple, but the human mind can make it complicated.
I feel like a voice crying in the wilderness.
My work is not for personal glory, but for the good of mankind.
The resistance to change is a powerful force, but it can be overcome.
I have witnessed the horror of this disease, and I cannot turn away.
They accuse me of being unscientific, yet they ignore the scientific evidence.
Contemporaries of Ignaz Semmelweis
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Ignaz Semmelweis (1818–1865).