Publication Date
2-1-2012
Keywords
Puerperal fever
Abstract
The death of a mother in childbirth leaving a newborn deserted is a sort of a desecration. This was a frequent event for early physicians. It was felt to be caused by miasmas or punishment from the gods. DaVinci felt the cause was milk stasis, Hippocrates - lochia, Virchow - weather. Then came Semmelweis, Pasteur and Lister. They started a battle with ignorance, hospital administration, budget and academic politics. Ending with the murder of Semmelweis!
Recommended Citation
Citation Information:Hammill, Hunter A., "Puerperal Fever from Hippocrates to Pasteur" (2012).DigitalCommons@TMC, John P. McGovern Historical Collections and Research Center, Houston History of Medicine Lectures. Paper 9.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/homl/9
Included in
Bacterial Infections and Mycoses Commons, Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Commons, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Commons, Obstetrics and Gynecology Commons
Comments
Transcript of a presentation given at the Houston History of Medicine Society lecture series. PowerPoint slides are also included below.