Sinclair, Sir William J.: Semmelweis. His Life and his Doctrine (Manchester, 1909)
IV. Spread of the Doctrine During the Vienna Period
END OF ASSISTANTSHIP 8i chlorinated lime solution and after every examination of a patient, even in the slightest degree affected, to repeat the process of disinfection. ...” After calling attention to the diminution in the mortality of newborn infants, and expressing the belief that the experiments made by Semmelweis and Lautner on animals (directe Versuche an Thieren) have placed the truth of the theory beyond all doubt (ausser allem Zweifel), Haller makes a statement shewing remarkable appreciation of the import of the Semmelweis doctrine, and singular foresight with regard to its possibilities, which is worthy of record and preservation. ‘‘The importance of this experience for lying-in hospitals, and for hospitals generally speaking, especially for the surgical wards (die chirurgischen Krankensäle), is so immeasurable, that it appears worthy of the attention of all men of science, and it certainly deserves due recognition from the high authorities of State.” Dr. Haller concluded by proposing that Dr. Semmelweis should be invited to give an address on his experiences to the Medical Society. This remarkably flattering proposal was at once adopted, although every member present must have known that the acceptance of such a resolution was equivalent to a vote of censure on Profesor Klein. Klein had hitherto remained absolutely silent on the subject which so deeply concerned his reputation as director of the First Clinic and as a conscientious man. He still maintained silence, but he took measures to get rid of such an undesirable assistant. ASSISTANTSHIP EXPIRED. The proposal of Haller to invite Semmelweis to address the Medical Society was adopted at a meeting in February, 1849; the term of Semmelweis’s assistantship was to expire on the 20th of March following, and he resolved to apply for an extension of two years more. ‘‘As the end of my two years’ term of office approached I put forward a request for another two years’ extension G
