Rajesh MC
Department of Anaesthesiology,
Baby Memorial Hospital.
Abstract
In the early 19th century, undergoing surgery was often a last resort - a terrifying experience fraught with pain and peril. Patients were awake to the knife, and many did not survive the trauma. There were only three natural anaesthetics at that time - sleep, fainting or death which was induced either by alcohol, opium, mandragora, mesmerism, carotid compression, restraint or sometimes even a blow on the back !! All of that began to change when W. T. G. Morten had the courage to conduct a public demonstration of the analgesic effects of ether on October 16th 1846 at Massachusetts general hospital. This marked the birth of the speciality of anaesthesia. The art and science of anaesthesia has since revolutionized medicine, making surgery safer and more humane. This editorial reflects on anaesthesia's immense contributions over the past 170 plus years. It is a brief history of progress and is forward-looking, with a truly human impact.
