History of Ignaz Semmelweis in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Ignaz Semmelweis

Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician, is renowned as the "saviour of mothers" for his groundbreaking work in antiseptic procedures during the 19th century. He discovered that hand disinfection by healthcare workers significantly reduced postpartum infection, a then-common and fatal childbirth complication. His research at Vienna General Hospital demonstrated a dramatic decrease in maternal mortality rates after implementing chlorine handwashing protocols. Despite facing resistance, Semmelweis's findings, published in his 1861 book "Etiology, Concept and Prophylaxis of Childbed Fever," laid the foundation for modern hygiene practices in healthcare.

1910: Death of Mária Weidenhofer

In 1910, Mária Weidenhofer, Semmelweis's wife and daughter of a prosperous merchant in Pest, passed away.

October 1964: Semmelweis's Remains Transferred to Birthplace

In October 1964, Semmelweis's remains were moved to his birthplace at 1-3 Apród utca, which now serves as a museum of medical history in his honor.