Draft:History of Anesthesiology
| Submission declined on 26 June 2025 by Qcne (talk). This submission reads more like an essay than an encyclopedia article. Submissions should summarise information in secondary, reliable sources and not contain opinions or original research. Please write about the topic from a neutral point of view in an encyclopedic manner. This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject.
Where to get help
How to improve a draft
You can also browse Wikipedia:Featured articles and Wikipedia:Good articles to find examples of Wikipedia's best writing on topics similar to your proposed article. Improving your odds of a speedy review To improve your odds of a faster review, tag your draft with relevant WikiProject tags using the button below. This will let reviewers know a new draft has been submitted in their area of interest. For instance, if you wrote about a female astronomer, you would want to add the Biography, Astronomy, and Women scientists tags. Editor resources
|  |
Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Dinesh Kumawatt (talk) 09:44, 26 June 2025 (UTC)
History of Anesthesiology
[edit]Anesthesiology is the medical study and practice of giving anesthesia to patients so that they do not feel pain during surgery or other procedures. The history of anesthesiology is long and full of interesting changes. It started with ancient natural remedies and has now become a modern medical specialty.
Ancient and Early Uses of Anesthesia
[edit]Before modern times, people tried many ways to stop pain. In ancient Egypt, India, China, and Greece, herbs like opium, cannabis, and mandrake were used to make people feel sleepy or dull their pain. Chinese doctors used acupuncture as a type of pain relief. In the 2nd century AD, a Chinese surgeon named Hua Tuo is said to have used a herbal mixture and wine to make his patients sleep before surgery.
In the Middle Ages, surgeons sometimes used "sponges soaked with herbs" to help knock people out, but it wasn’t very safe or controlled. Many patients died from pain, shock, or infection during surgery.
The Discovery of Modern Anesthesia (1800s)
[edit]The real change in anesthesiology started in the 19th century. Three main chemicals helped: nitrous oxide (laughing gas), ether, and chloroform.
- In 1842, Dr. Crawford Long, an American doctor, used ether to remove a tumor from a patient, but he didn’t publish his work until later.
- On October 16, 1846, Dr. William T. G. Morton, a dentist, performed a public surgery using ether at Massachusetts General Hospital. This is often called the "birth of modern anesthesia."
- In 1847, James Young Simpson, a Scottish doctor, began using chloroform as anesthesia, especially in childbirth.
These discoveries helped doctors perform longer and safer surgeries.
Advancements in the 20th Century
[edit]During the 1900s, anesthesiology became more professional. New drugs like thiopental, halothane, and lidocaine were invented. Machines were made to control breathing and monitor patients. Anesthesiologists also learned more about how anesthesia affects the heart, brain, and lungs.
In World War I and II, better anesthesia helped save lives on the battlefield. After the wars, hospitals began to hire full-time anesthesiologists. Medical schools started offering training in this field.
The Birth of Anesthesiology as a Medical Specialty
[edit]By the mid-20th century, anesthesiology became a recognized medical specialty. Doctors now had to train for many years in how to give different types of anesthesia, manage emergencies, and take care of patients before and after surgery.
In 1938, the American Board of Anesthesiology was created. Other countries also formed their own societies and boards. This made the field more respected and safe.
Modern Developments
[edit]Today, anesthesiology is much safer and more advanced. New types of drugs, machines, and monitoring tools are used. Anesthesiologists can now do complex procedures like nerve blocks, epidurals, and deep sedation with great precision.
Also, the field has expanded. There are now subspecialties like pain medicine, critical care & cure, and pediatric anesthesiology.
Importance
[edit]The history of anesthesiology shows how medical science can grow and save lives. What was once a dangerous part of surgery is now one of the safest parts, thanks to years of hard work and discovery.
References
[edit]- Long, C. W. (1849). An account of the first use of sulphuric ether by inhalation as an anesthetic in surgical operations. Southern Medical and Surgical Journal, 5(3), 705–713. → Crawford Long's original published work on ether use.
- Fenster, J. M. (2001). Ether Day: The Strange Tale of America's Greatest Medical Discovery and the Haunted Men Who Made It. HarperCollins. → Covers the 1846 public demonstration by Dr. William Morton.
- Atkinson, R. S., & Boulton, T. B. (1985). The History of Anesthesia. London: Royal Society of Medicine Services. → A comprehensive historical source on anesthesia development.
- Duncum, B. M. (1947). The Development of Inhalation Anaesthesia. Oxford University Press. → Traces early chemical discoveries and techniques.
- Smith, G., & Hirsch, N. P. (1999). Foundations of Anaesthesia: Basic Sciences for Clinical Practice. Butterworth-Heinemann. → Modern reference on anesthesiology and its evolution.
- Simpson, J. Y. (1847). Account of a New Anaesthetic Agent as a Substitute for Sulphuric Ether in Surgery and Midwifery. → Historical pamphlet by James Young Simpson introducing chloroform.
- Miller, R. D. (2014). Miller’s Anesthesia (8th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. → Authoritative textbook on anesthesiology, includes historical chapters.
- Keys, T. E. (1945). The History of Surgical Anesthesia. New York: Schuman’s. → Important early history book widely cited in academic work.
- American Society of Anesthesiologists. (n.d.). Anesthesia History Timeline. Retrieved from https://www.asahq.org/about-asa/history-of-anesthesia → Timeline and historical highlights from the leading U.S. anesthesia society.
- Boulton, T. B. (1999). The History of Anaesthesia: The Proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium on the History of Anaesthesia. → Scholarly conference proceedings on various global anesthesia developments.