Simpson and 'the discovery of chloroform'
by
Simpson D. Department of Clinical Chemistry,
Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh.
Scott Med J. 1990 Oct;35(5):149-53

ABSTRACT

It is widely accepted that Sir James Young Simpson discovered the anaesthetic properties of chloroform and pioneered its application in surgery and midwifery. The name of Simpson is not infrequently also associated with the discovery of chloroform and of anaesthesia. Simpson certainly did not discover the substance chloroform or anaesthesia, there is doubt as to whether he discovered the anaesthetic properties of chloroform, and he may not have been the first person to administer chloroform anaesthesia to a patient. He did, however, play an important role in the introduction of chloroform anaesthesia particularly in midwifery and obstetrics.

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Molecular mechanisms
Chloroform anaesthesia
'My beloved chloroform'
'The secularisation of pain'
Acetylcholine/nicotinic receptors
Obstetric anaesthesia/John Snow
Early religious/military opposition to anaesthetics

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