Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis
- Born:
- July 1, 1818, Buda, Kingdom of Hungary, Austrian Empire (now Budapest, Hungary)
- Died:
- August 13, 1865, Döbling mental asylum, near Vienna, Austrian Empire (now Vienna, Austria)
- Nationality:
- Hungarian
- Profession(s):
- Physician, Obstetrician
Early Life and Education
- Began studying law at the University of Vienna in 1837.
- Switched to medicine at the University of Vienna in 1838.
- Received his medical degree from the University of Vienna in 1844.
- Obtained a master's degree in obstetrics in 1845.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served as assistant in the First Obstetrical Clinic of the Vienna General Hospital (Allgemeines Krankenhaus) from 1846.
- Observed significantly higher mortality rates from puerperal fever (childbed fever) in the First Clinic compared to the Second Clinic.
- Hypothesized that the higher mortality rate in the First Clinic was due to medical students carrying "cadaverous particles" from autopsies to the patients during examinations.
- Instituted a policy of handwashing with chlorinated lime solution in 1847, which drastically reduced mortality rates in the First Clinic.
- Published his findings and promoted hand hygiene as a preventative measure against puerperal fever.
- Faced resistance and skepticism from the medical community regarding his germ theory.
- Appointed professor of theoretical obstetrics at the University of Pest in 1855.
Notable Works
- Die Ätiologie, der Begriff und die Prophylaxis des Kindbettfiebers (The Etiology, Concept, and Prophylaxis of Childbed Fever), published in 1861. This comprehensive work detailed his findings and argued for the importance of hand hygiene in preventing puerperal fever.
Legacy and Impact
Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis's work on the etiology and prevention of puerperal fever is considered a landmark achievement in medical history. Although his ideas were initially met with skepticism and resistance, his insistence on hand hygiene ultimately revolutionized medical practice and saved countless lives. Today, he is recognized as a pioneer of antiseptic procedures and a significant contributor to the development of germ theory. This 'ignaz philipp semmelweis biography' showcases his crucial role in the history of medicine.