[Semmelweis Memorial Speech on the 150. Anniversary of His Death]

Two questions emerge as regards Semmelweis's reception and public memory: 1. How and why could turn Semmelweis into an emblematic representative of 19th-20th century science and medicine? 2. What sort of values and ideals does the fate of Semmelweis represent for us? Author calls our attention to the fact, that in Semmelweis's case, not only his discoveries and thought proved to be of abiding value, but during the last 120 years also his fate inspired a number of scientific, popular, non fictional and fictional analysis all over the world. Semmelweis, as a mythic representative of the modern "scientist" still owes a peculiar place in the common memory. His manipulated and partly intentionally coined story--based however on empirical facts--even today represents a relevant message and plays an important role in the making of the myth of modern physician. Author however emphasizes, that Semmelweis myth represent a somewhat different message for the international public and for the Hungarian one.