Anesthetic Collection

First use of anesthesia in surgery, 1846
First public demonstration of surgical anesthesia, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 1846. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustratioin

Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel C015 / 6718
Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel. Computer model showing the structure of propofol anaesthetic drug molecules (spheres)

Simpson researching anaesthetics, 1840s
Sir James Young Simpson (1811-1870), Scottish doctor. This historical artwork shows Simpsons butler walking in on Simpson, who is suffering from the effects of a recent experiment

Anaesthetic room med01_01_0380
St Michaels Orthopaedic Hospital, Marine Parade East, Clacton On Sea, Tendring, Essex. A view of the anaesthetic room. Photographed for the Topical Press Agency Ltd in May1939

Marie Jean Pierre Flourens, from Les Merveilles de la Science, published c
2619148 Marie Jean Pierre Flourens, from Les Merveilles de la Science, published c.1870 (litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Marie Jean Pierre Flourens)

Hua Tuo (colour litho)
GIA3738224 Hua Tuo (colour litho) by Chinese School; Private Collection; (add.info.: Hua Tuo (c.140-208) Chinese physician of the late Eastern Han dynasty

The first public demonstration of surgical anesthesia, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, 16 October 1846 (litho)
5997882 The first public demonstration of surgical anesthesia, at the Massachusetts General Hospital, 16 October 1846 (litho) by American School

Belladona or Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
Illustration of a Belladona or Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)

MORTON, William Thomas Green (1819-1868). American dentist that considered himself as the inventor and revealer of the use of ether for surgical anesthesia

Surgery using ether as anesthetic administered by inhalation, at Bellevue Hospital in New York, 1870. Method first experienced by William T. G. Morton in 1846. Oil

Illustration showing surgeon swabbing and removing object from knee of patient lying on operating table

2619149; out of copyright

Administering anaesthetic
MODEL RELEASED. Administering anaesthetic

Re-enactment of first anaesthesia, 1850
Re-enactment of first anaesthesia. Group of surgeons and a patient re-enacting the first operation that was carried out under general anaesthesia

Inhalation Apparatus
This version of a 19th century anaesthetic inhaler consists of a two-part vessel A and B containing a sponge soaked in sulfuric ether or chloroform

Ketamine drug binding to ion channel, molecular model. Several molecules of the drug ketamine binding to a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC)

Ketamine drug, molecular model. Ketamine is a drug used in human and veterinary medicine, mostly for the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia

Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel C015 / 6723
Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel. Computer model showing the structure of propofol anaesthetic drug molecules (spheres) bound to a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC, blue ribbons)

Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel C015 / 6722
Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel. Computer model showing the structure of propofol anaesthetic drug molecules (spheres) bound to a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC, blue ribbons)

Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel C015 / 6720
Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel. Computer model showing the structure of propofol anaesthetic drug molecules (lower left and right) bound to a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC, grey)

Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel C015 / 6721
Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel. Computer model showing the structure of propofol anaesthetic drug molecules (spheres)

Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel C015 / 6719
Anaesthetic inhibiting an ion channel. Computer model showing the structure of propofol anaesthetic drug molecules (spheres)

WILLIAM T. G. MORTON (1819-1868). American dentist. Diorama of Morton demonstrating the use of ether anesthesia in
WILLIAM T.G. MORTON (1819-1868). American dentist. Diorama of Morton demonstrating the use of ether anesthesia in the operating room of the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, 16 October 1846

Testing an analgesic inhaler, 1955
Testing an analgesic inhaler. This inhaler (lower right) contained trichloroethylene, an analgesic commonly used by midwives assisting in childbirth

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)

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"Revolutionizing Surgery: The Birth of Anesthesia in 1846" In the year 1846, a groundbreaking discovery forever changed the landscape of surgery. It was the first use of anesthesia, a medical marvel that would transform the way operations were conducted. This historic milestone marked a turning point in human history. The journey towards this monumental breakthrough began years earlier when Dr. William Thomas Green Morton, an American dentist, started researching anaesthetics in the 1840s. His relentless pursuit led to the development of ether as an effective anesthetic agent. On October 16th, 1846, at Massachusetts General Hospital, history was made with the first public demonstration of surgical anesthesia. Patients no longer had to endure excruciating pain during procedures thanks to this remarkable innovation. Anesthesia works by inhibiting ion channels C015/6718 within our bodies. This scientific mechanism allows patients to be comfortably sedated and oblivious to any discomfort or agony they might have otherwise experienced. Marie Jean Pierre Flourens' publication "Les Merveilles de la Science" further shed light on this incredible advancement in medicine. The world marveled at how anesthesia could revolutionize not only surgery but also countless other medical interventions. Hua Tuo's colorful lithograph depicted another ancient form of anesthesia using belladonna or Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna). This plant-based approach showcased humanity's early attempts at alleviating pain during surgeries centuries ago. Thanks to pioneers like Dr. Morton and his contemporaries who tirelessly pursued advancements in medicine, we now have dedicated anaesthetic rooms like med01_01_0380 where patients can receive optimal care and comfort during their procedures. This captivating chapter in medical history reminds us of how far we've come and serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination. Anesthesia has become an indispensable tool for surgeons worldwide, enabling them to perform intricate operations with precision while ensuring patients' well-being.