New Books in History Anthony Valerio, "Semmelweis: The Women's Doctor" (Zantedeschi Books, 2019)
Oct 25, 2025
In this discussion, Anthony Valerio, a seasoned writer and editor, delves into the life of Ignaz Semmelweis, the often-overlooked pioneer of antiseptic procedures. He shares Semmelweis's struggle against medical orthodoxy and the groundbreaking discovery of handwashing to combat childbed fever. Valerio reveals Semmelweis's tumultuous journey from a Buda spice merchant's son to a medical visionary, while also exploring the mental toll of his resistance from peers. The conversation highlights Semmelweis's enduring legacy in saving lives and influencing medical practices.
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The Semmelweis Reflex Explained
- Semmelweis exposed the instant rejection of new science now called the 'Semmelweis reflex'.
- He faced cultural and professional resistance despite clear empirical results.
Publish Early And Clearly
- Publish promptly and clearly: Semmelweis delayed writing and his later book lacked editorial rigor.
- Ensure findings are recorded and communicated to avoid misinterpretation and opposition.
Detective Work In Two Lying-In Clinics
- Semmelweis compared two lying-in clinics and swapped personnel to isolate variables in mortality differences.
- He traced higher deaths to students moving from autopsies to deliveries and introduced chlorine hand washing with dramatic results.
