Alphons Mermann (1852-1908): hiccups, hygiene and Hebammen

German gynecologist Alphons Mermann (1852-1908) is best known for establishing the Luisenheim Woechnerinnenasyl (lying-in asylum) at the end of the 19th century in Mannheim. The Luisenheim, owing its name to HRH the Grand Duchess Luise of Baden (1838-1923), was a significant step forward in the provision of a safe delivery environment for mothers of modest means. During his life, Mermann used his position as the Luisenheim's director to promote both the training of midwives and a strict maintenance of asepsis in the hospital. Historically, he has been viewed as the first physician to describe fetal hiccups in a peer-reviewed scientific publication, although the phenomena were described nearly two centuries before his account. This short work explores the life, family and contributions of Dr Mermann.