A Brilliant Brain

Ignaz Semmelweis

1818–1865 — Hungary

Era: Modern

Brilliance: 8/10 | Stewardship: 8/10 | Composite Index: 64

Wash your hands. They locked him up.

"When I look back upon the past, I can only dispel the sadness which falls upon me by gazing into that happy future."

Biography

Discovered that handwashing prevented childbed fever. Ridiculed by the medical establishment. Died in an asylum. Proved right posthumously.

Key Facts

  • Discovered hand-washing prevents infection
  • Ridiculed by medical establishment
  • Died in an asylum
  • Proved right posthumously
  • Called 'savior of mothers'

He said: wash your hands. They put him in an asylum.

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