"He knows how to prevent deaths by the thousands, tend of thousands...and no one will listen to him. It's the most dreadful position to be in."
Reception of Discovery
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Semmelweis' colleagues were less enthusiastic about his new procedures than he was. Neither Semmelweis nor the other physicians were aware of the bacteria and microscopic pathogens that caused the diseases and since they could not see them, it was hard to explain why washing their hands would be an effective preventative. Since the young physician could not rationally and scientifically explain why the cadaveric particles were causing the deaths of the women in the maternity wards, they often ridiculed and mocked him. Even though the new hand washing technique proved effective in terms of preventing death, only Semmelweis was convinced that it was truly stopping infection. Most other doctors considered it a coincidence and one even attributed the drop in mortality rates to the new air conditioning unit that was installed in the First Division obstetric wards.
Unfortunately, Semmelweis became increasingly angry with his colleagues. His frustration forced him into a chain of aggressive behavior in which openly criticized anyone that did not participate in the antiseptic procedure. The exasperated doctor even dared to call these "irresponsible" doctors "murderers". His erratic behavior and bullying tactics led to his dismissal from the hospital and he struggled to find a position elsewhere. Despairingly, Semmelweis decided to do what he had been dreading for years: write a book. In 1860, he finished "‘Die Aetiologie, der Begrif und die Prophylaxis des Kindbettfiebers" (Etiology, Concept and Prophylaxis of Childbed Fever) in which he described his discovery and the ways to prevent the infection. Though rambling and repetitive, it contains the crux of his ideas: "the carrier is the examining finger, operating hand, instruments, bed linen, atmospheric air, sponges!". The book was not well received by his critics, who were attacked at the end of the book. His publication, as well as his venomous letters to his critics, fed his paranoia and bad reputation. Even his wife turned against him and was frightened by his behavior. She eventually agreed to a plan to curb his aggression. She proposed a trip to Austria and tricked him into visiting his friend's "hospital," which was actually an insane asylum. He died of blood poisoning from an infected wound at the asylum just a few weeks later.
Unfortunately, Semmelweis became increasingly angry with his colleagues. His frustration forced him into a chain of aggressive behavior in which openly criticized anyone that did not participate in the antiseptic procedure. The exasperated doctor even dared to call these "irresponsible" doctors "murderers". His erratic behavior and bullying tactics led to his dismissal from the hospital and he struggled to find a position elsewhere. Despairingly, Semmelweis decided to do what he had been dreading for years: write a book. In 1860, he finished "‘Die Aetiologie, der Begrif und die Prophylaxis des Kindbettfiebers" (Etiology, Concept and Prophylaxis of Childbed Fever) in which he described his discovery and the ways to prevent the infection. Though rambling and repetitive, it contains the crux of his ideas: "the carrier is the examining finger, operating hand, instruments, bed linen, atmospheric air, sponges!". The book was not well received by his critics, who were attacked at the end of the book. His publication, as well as his venomous letters to his critics, fed his paranoia and bad reputation. Even his wife turned against him and was frightened by his behavior. She eventually agreed to a plan to curb his aggression. She proposed a trip to Austria and tricked him into visiting his friend's "hospital," which was actually an insane asylum. He died of blood poisoning from an infected wound at the asylum just a few weeks later.
Significance
Ignaz Semmelweis is often regarded as the “savior of mothers” and the father of antiseptics. His advances in the field of medicine have earned him renown around the world. Although medical professionals and scientists did not appreciate his work at the time, his advancements are a staple in medical procedure in the modern world. Semmelweis’ sanitation practices only gained widespread acceptance long after his death, when Louis Pasteur developed the germ theory that offered an explanation as to why the cadaveric particles could cause disease in the pregnant women. Semmelweis understood that their blood was poisoned by the pathogenic particles from physician’s hands, but could not explain what was causing the disease itself. He had a theoretical understanding of the germ theory, but it was Pasteur who proved it using scientific data and explanation.
Despite his dismal death, Semmelweis is still viewed as an important scientist in his field and his advances are well known today. Many of his practices were the basis for modern techniques of sanitation and disinfection. The widespread use of clinical disinfectants, autoclaves, sterilizers, and antibacterial soaps can be attributed to his discoveries. His emphasis on cleanliness in hospitals is clearly still of great importance today. Nurses and doctors of all levels wash their hands, sterilize equipment, and disinfect their work spaces every day. There is a university named in his honor and his face appeared on several European postage stamps. His legacy certainly lives on and his important achievements continue to shape modern antiseptic procedure.
Despite his dismal death, Semmelweis is still viewed as an important scientist in his field and his advances are well known today. Many of his practices were the basis for modern techniques of sanitation and disinfection. The widespread use of clinical disinfectants, autoclaves, sterilizers, and antibacterial soaps can be attributed to his discoveries. His emphasis on cleanliness in hospitals is clearly still of great importance today. Nurses and doctors of all levels wash their hands, sterilize equipment, and disinfect their work spaces every day. There is a university named in his honor and his face appeared on several European postage stamps. His legacy certainly lives on and his important achievements continue to shape modern antiseptic procedure.