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Michael Faraday and his contribution to anesthesia.

N A Bergman1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201.

Anesthesiology
|October 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Michael Faraday

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Area of Science:

  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • History of Medicine

Background:

  • Michael Faraday, a student of Humphry Davy, succeeded him as Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution.
  • Faraday's scientific contributions spanned chemistry and physics, with electromagnetic induction being his most renowned discovery.
  • His lesser-known work includes the early investigation into the anesthetic properties of ether.

Discussion:

  • In 1818, Faraday anonymously published findings that ether inhalation produced effects similar to nitrous oxide.
  • This observation, likely stemming from Davy's use of nitrous oxide, highlighted ether's potential as an accessible anesthetic.
  • Ether's availability contrasted with nitrous oxide's complex requirements, paving the way for its widespread use.

Key Insights:

  • Faraday's 1818 publication identified sulfuric ether as a viable agent for altering mentation and consciousness.
  • This work predates the formal adoption of surgical anesthesia, linking student "ether frolics" to early anesthetic practices.
  • Handwritten notations in Faraday's personal books confirm his authorship of the anonymous 1818 communication.

Outlook:

  • Faraday's early research on ether's effects contributed to the eventual development of modern anesthesia.
  • This historical account underscores the serendipitous discoveries that have advanced medical practices.
  • Further research into historical scientific communications can reveal overlooked contributions to various fields.

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