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October meeting 2006
Dr Chris Wright, a retired anaesthetist, gave a vivid account of pre-operation,
pain-killing methods over the centuries to the Society at its October meeting.
The numbing effects of morphine in poppy seeds were recognised by the Greeks
and Romans in performing operations, but for many, being held in a clamp was the
only way.
Real progress came with the discovery of the effects of nitrous oxide, ether and
chloroform, through the work of pioneers like Joseph Priestley in the 18th century
and Sir James Young Simpson in the 19th century. Royal approval came with
Queen Victoria using chloroform in childbirth. Variants of these substances are in
use today, though it is only recently that death and permanent injury after operations
have been avoide through realising the importance of the quantity and nature of the
anaesthetics administered. Nowadays computers often control the application of
pain-killers.
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