Description

SEMMELWEIS 200 YEARS by László Rosivall

Product Information

Editors: László Rosivall
Publisher: Semmelweis Kiadó és Multimédia Stúdió
Publication Year: 2019
Place of Publication: Budapest
Page Count: 504 pages
Binding: Hardcover with stiff boards and matte foil
Format: A/4
Language: English
ISBN: 9789633314845 / 978-9633314845

Overview

"SEMMELWEIS 200 YEARS" is a commemorative volume that continues the vibrant discussion surrounding Ignác Semmelweis—the revered Hungarian physician whose groundbreaking work in antisepsis revolutionized maternal care. Although the 2015 UNESCO Memorial Year saw an outpouring of works celebrating Semmelweis, this new edition, published in 2019, offers a fresh selection of original studies by leading experts. It examines the enduring impact of Semmelweis’s discoveries, the controversies that surrounded his acceptance, and the reasons why his revolutionary ideas were both celebrated and resisted over the past century and a half. The book underscores that, despite being widely acknowledged in academic circles, the full implementation of Semmelweis’s doctrine remains an ongoing challenge in the healthcare systems of Hungary and beyond.

Product Features

Structure and Content

Comprehensive Scholarly Contributions:
Compiled by the Semmelweis Commemorative Committee and led by Professor László Rosivall, this volume includes contributions from both Hungarian and international experts, ensuring a diverse and in-depth perspective on Semmelweis’s legacy.
Continuing Debate:
Explores unresolved questions about why Semmelweis’s discovery was initially rejected, what information might have influenced his detractors, and how his work continues to shape modern medical practice.
Historical and Contemporary Integration:
Blends historical analyses with current reflections on the application of Semmelweis’s principles in today's healthcare, emphasizing that his image, though celebrated, is still evolving.

Key Features

Dynamic Legacy:
Highlights how the discourse on Semmelweis’s contributions is far from settled, with ongoing debates and new interpretations emerging continuously.
Interdisciplinary Approach:
Integrates perspectives from medicine, history, sociology, and ethics, offering a holistic view of Semmelweis’s impact on both science and society.
Memorial and Forward-Looking:
Serves not only as a tribute to Semmelweis’s past achievements but also as a platform for discussing future directions in medical practice and research.

Interesting Facts

International Impact:
Semmelweis’s doctrine not only transformed Hungarian maternal care but also sparked international debate, influencing medical practices worldwide.
Ongoing Controversy:
Despite being a cornerstone of modern antisepsis, aspects of his work continue to be reexamined, proving that his legacy remains a subject of active scholarly discussion.
Future Prospects:
The editors and contributors suggest that after the 2018 memorial year, the conversation about Semmelweis will continue to evolve as new research and reflections emerge.