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 urge you to consider the facts, not the traditions.
The truth will ultimately prevail, even if I am not here to see it.
Every death from puerperal fever is a preventable tragedy.
My work is not for my own glory, but for the good of humanity.
The resistance I face only strengthens my resolve.
I have presented the evidence. The choice to act is now yours.
The blood of these mothers is on the hands of those who refuse to listen.
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.
It is not enough to see, one must also understand.
The physician who does not wash his hands is a murderer.
They preferred to die rather than to wash their hands.
I do not teach you anything new, I only remind you of what you already know.
The truth is often bitter, but it is always wholesome.
My discovery is not a discovery, it is a revelation.
They call me mad, but I call them blind.
It is a sad commentary on human nature that it takes so long for a simple truth to be accepted.
The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge.
I have been persecuted for telling the truth, but I would rather be persecuted than be silent.
They say I am a fanatic, but I say they are fools.
The only thing more dangerous than ignorance is arrogance.
Contemporaries of Ignaz Semmelweis
Other Medicines born within 50 years of Ignaz Semmelweis (1818–1865).