[The development of chemical narcotic and related anesthetic techniques in modern times]

Before the 19(th) century, ether and nitrous oxide were synthesized. However, they were just used as a kind of enjoyable things at night gatherings for their hypnotic and analgesic effect. In the 19(th) century, ether and nitrous oxide came into use in clinical anesthesia. Thereafter, more and more chemical narcotics were synthesized and applied to clinical anesthesia. In 1872, chloroform was injected into man's vein for anesthesia. In the 20(th) century, along with many kinds of barbiturates being synthesized, intravenous anesthesia got much development and application. At the same time, related techniques of anesthesia also improved. In the early 19(th) century, open inhalation anesthesia was often used. In 1900, there came a new anesthesia method by blowing into the windpipe through the cut of throat. Later on, the technique of endotracheal anesthesia and artificial respiration anesthesia (1908), the anesthetic instrument of endotracheal intubation and laryngeal mask and laryngoscope were invented. In the mid 19(th) century, the appearance of injection syringe and cocaine made local anesthesia possible. In 1880, local anesthesia also became successful. Thereafter, a variety of local anesthetic drugs were synthesized and applied, companying with various techniques of local anesthesia such as subarachnoid anesthesia (1900), sacral anesthesia (1901), epidural block (1903), plexus block (1902) and so on. In order to control the depth of anesthesia and respiration effectively, people attempted a lot so that anesthesia machine (1910), improved endotracheal anesthesia (1921), cryogenic technique (1902), controlled hypotension (1940s) and artificial hibernation (1950) came into being.