Ignaz Semmelweis

Pioneered antiseptic procedures that revolutionized medical practices

Often called the 'savior of mothers', Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis (1818-1865) made groundbreaking contributions to infection control. While working at Vienna General Hospital's maternity clinic, he observed drastically higher mortality rates in doctor-staffed wards compared to midwife-staffed ones.

Through meticulous statistical analysis, Semmelweis discovered that physicians transmitting 'cadaverous particles' from autopsies caused childbed fever. His 1847 mandate for chlorine handwashing reduced mortality from 18% to 2.2%, a revolutionary concept predating germ theory.

Despite facing fierce opposition from the medical establishment, his work laid foundation for:

• Modern antiseptic protocols
• Evidence-based medical practice
• Hospital hygiene standards

Tragically, Semmelweis suffered mental breakdown and died in an asylum. Only after Louis Pasteur's germ theory validation did his methods gain acceptance, saving millions of lives worldwide.