title: Alphons Mermann (1852-1908): hiccups, hygiene and Hebammen.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Christopher C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Georg A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Petroianu
mesh_terms: D047109:Fetal Development; D005858:Germany; D006176:Gynecology / Q000266:history*; D006606:Hiccup / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene / Q000266:history*
keywords: Alphons; Luisenheim; Mannheim; Mermann; asepsis; fetal hiccups; midwifery