Antall József szerk.: Orvostörténeti közlemények 66-68. (Budapest, 1973)

FORUM - Semmelweis kórtörténetének nyomában — Bécs és Budapest levelezése (magyar, angol és német nyelven)

say that Semmelweis tried to commit suicide in the hospital (he wanted to jump out of the window but he was prevented). On the middle finger of his right hand the gangrenous symptoms were discovered right after his arrival in the mental hospital the origins of which he did not seem to know, and he even refused its treatment. He died on the 13rd of August in the evening and not at 11. a.m. as it is appeared from the obiturary notice of the family. Summing up what we can surmise on the basis of the reports of his case history we may attribute Semmelweis's malady to paralysis progressive. The post mortem examination was carried out by Scheuthauer and Meynert in the Rokitansky Institute. It is highly probable that the autopsy report was added to the case history and tow tex perhaps light could be thrown on their truly 'original' text, too. As I succeeded in gaining these informations which indeed are a turning point in the question, i.e. as I seemed to find the sure track and means of finding what I was looking for, I naturally wanted to know where the documents are preserved. It lasted me for another two years until I found the correct data evading all vigilance. The place in question promised to do its best to end the mystery which lasted for a hundred years—and surely with some reason, —in case the Hungarian institutions and authorities take up the required measures. It is our respect towards Semmelweis's great spirit which demands it from us and also the claims of science striving for the complete truth. Moreover, it is an inevitable debt for the memory of the physicians of Vienna involved in the case. In this execution of our duty I should like to be ahead in the future, too, as a Hungarian historian and also as part of the Hungarian will which refuses to accept mysteries in connection with this decisive documents. Bearing all responsibility, I announce it in public that I am willing to put the correct data of the present place of preserving of the documents at the disposal of the Rector of the Medical University of Budapest with all confidence and I ask him herewith with deep respect to fight the last battle. It is beyound doubt that his authority and high post will make the foreign authorities surrender."