Blessed Days of Anaesthesia: How anaesthetics changed the world

The discovery of anaesthesia in the 19th century was a groundbreaking moment in medical history, offering pain-free operations, childbirth with reduced suffering, and instant access to the world beyond consciousness.

This book delves into the key moments in medical history surrounding this revolutionary discovery, including Humphry Davy's early experiments with nitrous oxide and the dramatic introduction of ether anaesthesia in America.

The author, Stephanie J.

Snow, is a Research Associate at the Center for the History of Science, Technology & Medicine at the University of Manchester, providing a unique perspective on this pivotal moment in medical history.

Throughout the book, the author reveals how anaesthesia caused the Victorians to rethink concepts of pain, sexuality, and the links between mind and body, leading to a profound change in attitudes towards physical suffering.

This is a must-read for anyone interested in medical history, social change, or the impact of scientific discoveries on society.