Sinclair, Sir William J.: Semmelweis. His Life and his Doctrine (Manchester, 1909)
V. Life in Buda-Pesth
MURPHY 175 mentary on these observations is necessary. . . . The Lying-in Hospital of Munich is a striking proof that there can be no complete safety for the patients even with the most admirable fittings and construction of an institution. What is required is a law in all countries requiring abstention from all practices bringing those engaged in midwifery work into contact with decomposed animal organic matter. Under present circumstances, even when most students are well disposed and careful, the levity of a single individual may bring about the greatest calamity.” Murphy. In 1857 Murphy, Professor of Midwifery at University College Hospital, sent an article to the jDublin Quarterly Journal which appeared in the August number. The subject was “Puerperal Fever” with a long title, and the paper covered a large amount of space. The relevant matter for our purpose came under Prophylaxis. He discusses ventilation in its bearing on the prevention of puerperal fever, and speaks of the Continental lying-in hospitals as remarkable instances of the neglect of the principles of ventilation. He devotes some space to the praise of chlorine as a disinfectant, and says that Dr. Collins when he became Master of the Rotunda found puerperal fever rife, and he completely expelled it by cleanliness and chlorine fumigation. Dr. Murphy gives an account of the Semmelweis prophylaxis as practised in the Vienna Lying-in Hospital, and shows an intimate knowledge of its method and results. Chlorine is both deodorizer and disinfectant, and it destroys the effluvia of puerperal fever. We have here once more the exposition of the Semmelweis doctrine and practice in an influential medical journal, in a paper which would be summarised in the Continental special journals, and yet we shall read in the addresses of Continental professors of midwifery expressions implying ignorance or affectation of ignorance for many years to come. Murphy’s paper appeared at the time w hen Semmelweis was rousing himself to action in the preparation of the
