- Ignaz Semmelweis advocated for hand-washing in 1847 to prevent childbed fever, reducing maternal mortality rates significantly.
- He discovered that doctors were transferring 'morbid poison' (Group A streptococcus) from autopsies to delivery rooms.
- Semmelweis faced strong resistance from colleagues, lost his position, and published his findings only in 1861.
- He was committed to an asylum in 1865 and died shortly after, with his contributions later recognized posthumously.