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 only weapon is the truth.
I will continue to fight for the mothers and their children.
The day will come when my methods are standard practice.
To save a life is the greatest reward.
I am not afraid of their scorn, only of their continued ignorance.
The path of discovery is often lonely.
I pray for the day when no woman dies from childbed fever.
My conscience demands that I speak out.
The evidence is clear, yet their minds remain clouded.
When I look back upon my life, I can only see the hand of God guiding me to the truth.
The cause of the dreadful mortality in the lying-in hospitals is puerperal fever.
I have discovered the cause of puerperal fever, and it is the cadaveric particles carried on the hands of the examining physicians.
Gentlemen, I implore you, wash your hands with chlorinated lime solution!
The number of deaths from puerperal fever has fallen dramatically since we introduced handwashing.
Many doctors are still unwilling to accept the truth, even when confronted with overwhelming evidence.
I am not a prophet, but I am a man of science, and I have seen the truth.
The lives of countless women are at stake. We cannot afford to ignore this discovery.
I have fought for the truth, and I will continue to fight for it, even if it means standing alone.
The medical establishment is resistant to change, even when it means saving lives.
Puerperal fever is a preventable disease. Its continued prevalence is a disgrace.
Contemporaries of Ignaz Semmelweis
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Ignaz Semmelweis (1818–1865).