I bet you can remember a few times when you were young and someone told you: “go wash your hands before you eat”. I also bet you can remember the last time someone (or something) informed you to wash your hands before you enter the grocery store of after leaving public transportation. But do you know who was the first one that told doctors to wash their hands between doing an autopsy and treating a pregnant woman?
If you are laughing right now, I don’t blame you. This extremely trivial concept was not so trivial back in the 19th century. Isn’t it crazy that today, after we touch a door handle we feel the need of washing our hands, but back then, doctors did not think it was necessary to disinfect their hands after performing an autopsy?
One of the beauties of scientific research is the ability to design and perform the correct experiments to prove (or disprove) an idea. To have results that are so compelling that we can’t believe how it was possible for people, at some point in time, to have considered otherwise. Today, I will share with you the Lessons from Ignaz Semmelweis, a physician-scientist whose ideas and discoveries confronted the beliefs of science in his time.
A stamp showing Semmelweis issued in Transkei in 1992. From Ataman et al. Puereperal fever with stamps. J Turkish-German Gynecol Assoc 2013; 14: 35-9
This is the first post from a new series in the ImmunoThoughts Blog, which I call “Lessons from…”. You all know how much I like to hear, learn and get tips from scientists, however, in some cases, interviewing my desired guest would be impossible (such as today’s guest, who was born in 1818). Therefore, I decided to create the “Lessons from…” ImmunoThoughts series to share with you the history and findings of some of my favourite scientists.
Two clinics, one crucial difference
Semmelweis was born on July 1, 1818, in Tabán (part of present Budapest), Hungary. After receiving his doctorate degree in medicine in 1844, he became a gynecologist and held the position as an assistant to Professor Johann Klein at the Medical School of Vienna. His role included taking care of patients, helping in difficult deliveries and performing post-mortem (autopsy) examinations.
During this time, Semmelweis became particularly interested in understanding the causes of “puerperal fever” (also known as childbed fever), which was described as an acute febrile illness that resulted in the death of many women during postpartum. Semmelweis worked in a maternity hospital which was divided into two clinics. Although the two clinics appeared largely identical, the mortality rate between clinic one and clinic two was far from similar.
From “The Etiology, Concept and Prophylaxis of Childbed Fever” by Ignaz Semmelweis
The first clinic was made of obstetrician students and had a mortality rate of ~10%, while the second one was made of midwives and had a ~3% mortality rate. Semmelweis could not understand why such discrepancy existed, but he decided to analyze every single variable to determine the cause of such difference.
When I say that he analyzed EVERY single variable, I meant it. Reading his translated published work, one can see that Semmelweis was extremely meticulous in trying to figure out every single possible difference between clinic one and clinic two.
He started with the basics, analyzing whether procedures were done exactly the same between the two clinics. But after that, he went as deep as considering the difference in “atmospheric influences”, room crowdedness, air ventilation and even religious practice by analyzing the route taken by the priest to reach the ill patient.
Semmelweis’ prepared mind
The clue that would lead to Semmelweis’s “Eureka moment” came from a tragic event that happened to Kolletschka, a professor of forensic medicine. Kolletschka had his finger pricked by one of his students’ knife, a knife that was just used to perform an autopsy. Kollestchka became very sick and did not survive this traumatic event. Following his post-mortem examination, however, Semmelweis noticed something intriguing.
Here is where a prepared mind shines. In my view, a scientist is someone that can connect the dots and design hypothesis based on an event that everyone else sees, but overlooks. “On this excited condition I could see clearly that the disease from which Kolletschka died was identical to that from which so many hundreds maternity patients had also died”, writes Semmelweis (1).
Semmelweis suggested that the reason for the high mortality rate in clinic one was due to students having “cadaverous particles” in their hands, which could then be transferred to their patients during an examination. Semmelweis noted that “because of the anatomical orientation of the Viennese medical school, professors, assistants and students have frequent opportunity to contact cadavers. Ordinary washing with soap is not sufficient to remove all adhering cadaverous particles” (1). Therefore, Semmelweis had finally found the difference he was looking for, as midwives from clinic two did not perform autopsies.
“Father of infection control”
With that in mind, Semmelweis instituted a policy in which students and professors had to wash their hands with chlorinated lime between performing an autopsy and delivering a baby. In his mind, this action would be able to remove the “cadaverous particles” preventing it from reaching the patients. This policy decreased the mortality rate of clinic one by 90%, bringing the rate to be even lower than that of clinic two.
Beautiful, right? Now, you must be thinking that everyone was happy and pleased with such an amazing discovery. Unfortunately, not. In fact, Semmelweis’s ideas were not fully accepted or implemented until years after his death.
If you are mad with this reaction (I certainly was), try to put yourself in the shoes (and mind) of people living in the mid 19th century. Today we know that microorganisms cause diseases and that we should wash our hands to prevent contamination. But back then, people were convinced that diseases were caused by an imbalance of the “four humors”.
Briefly, it was believed that our body was made of four substances and that unfavourable atmospheric-cosmic-terrestrial influences could lead to their imbalance, ultimately causing diseases. In other words, having “cadaverous particles” in your hands was certainly not one of the reasons in which disease would occur.
Translated by K Codell Carter.
Ebook accessed via McGill University Library.
Although Semmelweis published his main work in 1861, his ideas were rejects, and even taken as an insult from doctors of his time. It was suggested that Semmelweis’ claims lacked any scientific basis, and therefore his practices were not further implemented.
Later in 1861, Semmelweis started to suffer from various nervous complaints, he became confused and agitated. Semmelweis was diagnosed as insane and, unfortunately, died two weeks following his admission to an asylum in Vienna.
Due to his inability to live in a time in which people would accept, and implement, his views in order to decrease the mortality rate during delivery, Semmelweis confessed that his “(…) death will nevertheless be brightened by the conviction that sooner or later this time will inevitably arrive” (1). Semmelweis marvellous work and critical thinking have taught us a lot about the principles of infection control and should be treasured, even more deeply, in today’s time.
References
(1) Semmelweis IP. The etiology, concept, and prophylaxis of childbed fever. Translated by Carter K Codell. Madison, Wis.: University of Wisconsin Press, 1983.
(2) Ataman et al. Puereperal fever with stamps. J Turkish-German Gynecol Assoc 2013; 14: 35-9
(3) Daniels IR. Historical perspectives on health. Semmelweis: a lesson to relearn? J R Soc Promot Health1998; 118: 367-70.
97 Responses
Buy Roxithromycin Online – Special offer: Save up to $498 – buy antibiotics online and get discount for all purchased!
vurcazkircazpatliycaz.XjVdokIX8KL7
vurucuteamgeldi.ss3LxocFwjG3
daktilogibigibi.m4cr2LQfL1k8
daxktilogibigibi.E97GpjU0dD4u
https://cse.google.nr/url?sa=t&url=http://karlmarc.com/
ravenousness xyandanxvurulmus.yvCkgV2DcfNJ
bahis siteleri
porno siteleri vurgunyedim.uKBeNa3hn0gk
eski rahatiniz olmayacak yaralandinmieycan.bo9IEarp67ax
canadian pharmacy cialis
BİZİ SİK BİZ BUNU HAK EDİYORUZ wrtgdfgdfgdqq.bbgaAY78OrUj
bahis siteleri porn sex incest wrtgdfgdfgdqq.wkfSougEikWf
Thanks for fantastic info. What trips can you recommend in 2024? Astro tourism, eco diving, home swapping, train stations are the new food destinations,sports tourism, coolcationing, gig tripping, private group travel?
fuck google
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.
Thanks for wonderful info I was looking for this information for my mission.
Excellent write-up
Special offer for baclofen: buy baclofen on line only 0.66 per pill – https://nieuws.top010.nl/wp-content/uploads/cms/buy-baclofen-online/, get free AirMail shipping or free courier delivery and discount for all purchased! Two free pills (Viagra or Cialis or Levitra) available with every order.
sexax pokkerx.AR2jkz0mv6P5
am siteleri footballxx.EBgDeMzVILC5
amciik siteleri mobileidn.L441gUQgMyhB
porn siteleri bingoxx.xrthBlLtFhVO
bahis siteleri sikis 250tldenemebonusuxx.KRCNNjD68k5H
porn sex eyeconartxx.34iuzhsp6gS8
metronidazole same as flagyl
furosemide for babies
sexx vvsetohimalxxvc.UTGXDJ9i0A61
lisinopril recall
zoloft and marijuana
bahis siteleri sikis tthighereduhryyy.ZrLMtHD2vSQ
zithromax z pack
potassium dose with lasix
gabapentin side effects in women
glucophage unam
escitalopram dosage 30 mg
gabapentin for depression
what can you not take with cephalexin
bactrim class of antibiotics
what medications should not be taken with bactrim
can you drink alcohol with ciprofloxacin 500 mg
cephalexin strep throat
can you drink alcohol on cephalexin
escitalopram morning or evening
alcohol and gabapentin
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
ddavp usual dose
citalopram vs effexor
order antibiotics without prescription overnight buying antibiotics online without prescription buy antibiotics UK online order antibiotic online overnight shipping buy antibiotics doctor prescription antibiotics free shipping canadapharmacy24 cheap antibiotics no prescription fda approved pills; buying generic antibiotic online compare antibiotics prices on the web antibiotics without a prescription buy antibiotics chea online in florida cheap antibiotics buy online mail order meds
can you overdose on depakote
price of cozaar
free hd porn site gghkyogg.OIhThLisjEo
hd sex video full ggjennifegg.d7xIDUbSsO5
pron k hd ggjinnysflogg.5bg5dNjoOIE
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
antibiotics no prescription overnight overnight cheap antibiotics discount antibiotics without prerscription antibiotics for cat sneezing how to buy antibiotics online antibiotics without prescription mail order meds buy antibiotics no prescription online huge savings, cheap generic antibiotic order buy generic antibiotics online no rx needed antibiotics overnight shipping no script antibiotics free ship antibiotics to buy online buy pain meds online
ddavp medication dosage
citalopram lawsuits
depakote medication
cozaar drugs
order amoxicillin cheap no rx cheap amoxicillin without script overnight buy amoxicillin online in Us cheap antibiotic US delivering buy amoxicillin online pharmacy overseas delivery best price amoxicillin in internet top drugstores on the net buy amoxicillin online in Usa free medical consultations: purchase antibiotic Canada which are the best pharmacies to buy amoxicillin from canada no prescription? buy amoxicillin on line cheap piles amoxicillin buying online amoxicillin no hidden fees
diltiazem 240 mg
ezetimibe mas fenofibrato
where to buy amoxicillin cheap buy amoxicillin online no prescription cheap amoxicillin free shipping overnight antibiotic without rx cheapest amoxicillin sell no prescription buy amoxicillin online Usa overnight avoid online pharmacy scams buy amoxicillin no script quality and satisfaction guaranteed, get antibiotics online overnight shipping to all U.s states & UK amoxicillin with free shipping ordr amoxicillin online You can buy amoxicillin 500 mg online pay less buying on the net
저희는 구글 계정 판매 전문 회사입니다.우리의 구글 계정은 이메일, 문서, 캘리더, 클라우드 저장 등의 기능을 포함한 포괄적인 디지털 솔루션을 제공합니다.구글 계정을 통해 우리는 사용자에게 효율적인 협업 플랫품을 제공하여 개인과 팀이 일과 삶을 더 스마트하게 관리할 수 있도록 지원합니다.
diclofenac sodium ec 50 mg
augmentin price
네이버 최고급 프리미업 아이디 판매, 네이버 아이디 구매사이트,네이버 비실명계정 구매사이트.
contrave ja chegou no brasil
effexor withdrawl
half life of flexeril
Wow, superb blog structure! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for?
you make running a blog glance easy. The entire look of your website is wonderful, let alone the content material!
You can see similar here ecommerce
flomax incontinence side effects
Wow, marvelous weblog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is wonderful, let alone the content material!
You can see similar here sklep
t only its u시알리스 20mg 4판 16정tmost pride 시알리스 20mg 4판 16정but also its시알리스 20mg 4판 16정 act
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well
written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to
read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely
comeback. I saw similar here: Najlepszy sklep
aspirin dosage for dogs
allopurinol nursing considerations
aripiprazole vs quetiapine
Wow, wonderful weblog structure! How lengthy have you been running a blog for?
you make running a blog glance easy. The entire look of your site is magnificent,
let alone the content material! You can see similar here sklep internetowy
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog
to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
If you know of any please share. Appreciate it! You can read similar text here:
Ecommerce
It’s very interesting! If you need help, look here: ARA Agency
100%정품비아그라,약국에서 판매되는 제품과 동일한 제품만 취급합니다.
amitriptyline 10 mg tablet
augmentin and alcohol
information on celebrex
buy ampicillin online Us overnight Usa ampicillin sale discount ampicillin no rx cheap antibiotic buy online generic ampicillin online overnight buy cheap ampicillin on line worldwide shipping – fedex/ems/usps buy ampicillin online Usa fullscript. purchase antibiotic in US no prescription ampicillin american pharmacy ampicillin 500 mg buy online ampicillin 500 mg ampicillin overnight shipping fed ex rite aid online
cheapest Usa supplier amoxicillin amoxicillin us overnight fedex buy generic amoxicillin online cheap purchase antibiotic no prescription buy amoxicillin in the Us online where to buy amoxicillin online without prescription wegmans online pharmacy buy amoxicillin without doctor prescription online pharmacy discount drugs; order antibiotics online no rx prescription Learn to order cheap amoxicillin In australia online buy amoxicillin overnight online amoxicillin online cheap screep order amoxicillin online without a rx for sale online
fashionflag porn.hdcom fashionflag.iFLsEpAV4Ql
stopping bupropion cold turkey
the revision비아그라 지속 시간 and expansi비아그라 지속 시간on of Watt’s비아그라 지속 시간 Dic
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with
SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords
but I’m not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share.
Cheers! You can read similar text here: Ecommerce
goodhere Group Sex vurucutewet.rDc1VKqdhut
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to
help with Search Engine Optimization? I’m
trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
If you know of any please share. Appreciate
it! You can read similar art here: Dobry sklep
ladyandtherose Hardcore porn backlinkseox.7yPIbLsusp1
does celexa treat anxiety
how to pronounce celecoxib
jenniferroy 漫画ポルノ japanesexxporns.xbP77yzf6ox