James Simpson, Scottish physician
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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. He first used ether during a difficult labour on 19 January 1847. In November 1847 he began using chloroform to avoid carrying around heavy bottles of ether. Simpson published a controversial pamphlet, Account of a New Anaesthetic Agent (1847). Opponents claimed that painful labour was a biological and religious necessity. The clamour died down in 1853 after Queen Victoria used chloroform during childbirth. This led to his being knighted, the first person to be so honoured for services to medicine
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Media ID 6411734
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Anaesthesia Anaesthetics Child Birth Chloroform Doctor Ether History Of Science Knight Knighted Physician Portraits Royal Scottish Victorian James Simpson James Young Simpson Queen Victoria
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the esteemed James Simpson, a Scottish physician whose groundbreaking contributions to medicine revolutionized childbirth. Born in 1811, Simpson later adopted the name James Young Simpson as he embarked on his pioneering journey. In an era when women endured excruciating pain during labor, Simpson fearlessly introduced anaesthetics to alleviate their suffering. On that momentous day of January 19th, 1847, Simpson administered ether to a woman experiencing a difficult delivery. This marked the first recorded use of anaesthetics during childbirth and forever changed obstetric practices. Seeking greater convenience and portability, he switched to chloroform in November of the same year instead of carrying heavy bottles of ether. Unafraid to challenge conventional beliefs, Simpson published a controversial pamphlet titled "Account of a New Anaesthetic Agent" in 1847. His opponents argued that painful labor was both biologically and religiously necessary; however, their voices gradually faded away after Queen Victoria herself opted for chloroform during her own childbirth experience in 1853. The profound impact of his work led to Sir James Young Simpson becoming the first person ever knighted for services rendered to medicine. This stunning illustration captures him at this pivotal point in history - an adult male with regal bearing donning Victorian attire. As we gaze upon this remarkable piece from Science Photo Library's collection, let us celebrate Dr. James Young Simpson's indelible legacy as a medical pioneer who forever transformed the field of obstetrics through his tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to relieving human suffering.
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