Anaesthesia Collection (#3)

Nikolay Pirogov, Russian surgeon
Nikolay Ivanovich Pirogov (1810-1881), Russian surgeon and teacher. Pirogov was a pioneering battlefield surgeon and one of the most famous doctors in Russia

James Simpson, Scottish physician
James Simpson (1811-1870), Scottish physician. Simpson, who later called himself James Young Simpson, was the first person to use anaesthetics on women giving birth

Sir Humphry Davy, English chemist
Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829), historical artwork. Davy is best known for his invention of the miners safety lamp, also known as the Davy lamp, for use in coal mines

Discovery of anaesthesia, 19th century. Artwork showing the discovery of anaesthesia

Hua Tuo, Chinese physician, artwork
Hua Tuo, Chinese physician. Historical Chinese engraving depicting Hua Tuo (died circa 208 AD) standing by a tree. Hua Tuo was a famous Chinese physician who lived during the Han Dynasty

Propofol molecule. Computer model showing the structure of a molecule of the sedative drug, propofol. Atoms are colour-coded (carbon: dark grey, hydrogen: light grey, and oxygen: red)

Humphry Davy, English chemist
Humphry Davy (1778-1829), English chemist. Davy is best known for his invention of the miners safety lamp, also known as the Davy lamp, for use in coal mines

Aissaouas Mutilation
Moslem fanatics at Kairouan, a holy city of Tunisia, seem to feel no pain as they inflict fearful mutilations on their own bodies

Anaesthesia / Accordionist
At Stradella, Italy, Guglielmo Bonfoco refuses anaesthetics during a leg amputation, provided he may play his piano-accordeon

Buddhist Anaesthesia
BUDDHIST NOVICE PRIESTS at Setchuan, China, have burning incense placed on their shaven heads; it leaves deep scars but their training enables them to disregard the pain

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In the 1840s, anaesthesia was a groundbreaking field of research that revolutionized the world of medicine. It all began with Simpson, who dedicated his time to studying anaesthetics and their effects on patients. Meanwhile, Nikolay Pirogov, a Russian surgeon, also delved into this realm and made significant contributions. English chemist Humphry Davy played a crucial role in the development as well. His experiments paved the way for further advancements in this field. The image of an anaesthetic room from med01_01_0380 gives us a glimpse into how these early procedures were conducted. Interestingly, there is evidence that even monks sought ways to achieve pain relief during medical interventions through meditation-induced anesthesia. This historical account highlights humanity's enduring quest for alleviating suffering. Across the Atlantic Ocean in Hartford, Connecticut stands a statue honoring Horace Wells – the discoverer of anaesthesia. This monument represents his pivotal role in bringing about this transformative medical breakthrough. The use of laughing gas (nitrous oxide) as an anaesthetic agent gained popularity during public lectures where audiences experienced its euphoric effects firsthand. George Cruikshank's illustration captures the joyous reactions elicited by this novel method in London back in 1834. Throughout history, individuals accused of witchcraft endured torture without displaying any signs of sensitivity or pain—a testament to human resilience under extreme circumstances. Dr Charles Jackson's discovery regarding ether's remarkable anaesthetic properties marked another milestone in this field. Colored engravings depict his groundbreaking findings and their impact on surgical practices at that time. Morton became known for being the first to apply sulfuric ether for surgical operations at Boston Hospital—an achievement immortalized through engravings capturing this momentous event. Marie Jean Pierre Flourens' work showcased mesmerizing scientific wonders related to anesthesia—his publication Les Merveilles de la Science captivated readers with its insights. The anaesthetic apparatus designed by Raphael Dubois for Dr.