Humphry Davy and Anaesthesia
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Humphry Davy and Anaesthesia
Sir Humphry Davy (1778-1829) experiencing, with members of the Clifton Pneumatic Institute, the euphoric effects of inhaling nitrous oxide to which Davy gave the name laughing gas. He was head of the laboratory of the Institute which had been established to study the medical effects of recently discovered gases. Davy described the delirium induced as being characterised by extraordinary gaiety, significant enhancement of the intellectual faculties and an anaesthetic effect. His 1799 account of his experiments noted that nitrous oxide was capable of destroying physical pain.and may possibly be used in surgical operations but public suspicion of pneumatic chemistry and the opposition of the medical profession (pain being an important part of surgery) stopped the development of anaesthesia until 1844, and Davy moved on to his pioneering work in electrochemistry
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9204485
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Anaesthesia Bristol Davy Electrochemistry Inhalation Laughing Gas Nitrous Oxide Pain Pain Killer Respiration Surgery Clifton Delirium Humphrey Davy
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in medical history, showcasing Sir Humphry Davy and members of the Clifton Pneumatic Institute experiencing the euphoric effects of nitrous oxide, famously known as laughing gas. As head of the institute's laboratory, Davy dedicated himself to studying the medical properties of newly discovered gases. In this image, we witness Davy and his colleagues immersing themselves in an atmosphere filled with laughter and joy induced by inhaling nitrous oxide. Through his experiments in 1799, Davy observed that this remarkable gas not only brought about extraordinary gaiety but also enhanced intellectual faculties while providing a numbing effect on physical pain. Davy's groundbreaking account hinted at the potential use of nitrous oxide as an anaesthetic during surgical operations. However, due to public suspicion surrounding pneumatic chemistry and opposition from the medical profession (who believed pain was crucial for surgery), it would take another four decades until anaesthesia was fully developed in 1844. Although Davy moved on to pioneering work in electrochemistry after these experiments, his contributions to understanding the power of gases like nitrous oxide laid a foundation for future advancements in medicine. This mesmerizing print serves as a testament to both his scientific curiosity and unwavering dedication towards improving human well-being through innovation.
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