Antall József szerk.: Pictures from the Past of the Healing Arts / Orvostörténeti Közlemények – Supplementum 5. (Budapest, 1972)
The Life of Ignác Semmelweis (1818-1865)
THE LIFE OF IGNÁC SEMMELWEIS (1818-1865) H ungarian medicine developed under the influence of Vienna in the 18th and 19th centuries. This town was the Mecca of Hungarian medical students where they could complete their knowledge and were introduced to the most recent theories and practice of contemporary medicine. The diplom acquired there was acknowledged throughout the empire. The Habsburg rule deprived Hungary from its national independence preserved underdevelopment and hindered the rise of the progressive Hungarian intellectual life. This does not contradict the fact that the government issued useful, moreover progressive orders referring to public health, teaching and social conditions. They acted under the pressure of historical development but this was not in vogue with the natural demands of Hungary's own development. As Hungary's natural development was hindered and the retrograde powers were supported, the affairs of public health and teaching were rather provincial. This does not minimize but increases the merit of those scholars who-working under such poor conditions - undertook the troubles of public life. In the Age of Reforms Pest became the center of scientific life and the rising Hungarian medical life. The medical school of Pest was formed when the new generation began to gather around János Balassa. This new generation reaches the scientific level of the leading countries, it has a homogenous view referring to medicine and public life and creates a "school" for the coming generation. A hard time came upon them after August 1849, the surrender at Világos and the end of the War of Independence. János Balassa was imprisoned, but fortunately soon released. On the initiative of Markusovszky , the medical men arranged riding tours and called themselves ironically "Façulte de mediciñ a cheval". Markusovszky and Lumniczer, the two excellent surgeons were private assistants to Professor Balassa as soon as his chair was returned to him. The "Balassa-circle" first gathered at ridings and later at other social events. The members of the Balassa-circle
