[The Russian priority in development of general intravenous anesthesia (Report II)]

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Pharmacology
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• N. P. Kravkov, a Russian scientist, developed "Russian narcosis" using hedonal.
• The adoption of this discovery faced significant obstacles.
• Historical context of Russian scientific contributions and international recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the works of N. P. Kravkov and his contemporaries.
• To identify factors limiting the application of "Russian narcosis" both domestically and internationally.
• To explore the influence of German scientific recognition on Russian surgeons' self-esteem.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of scientific literature and correspondence.
• Evaluation of primary and secondary sources related to hedonal and "Russian narcosis".
• Examination of the socio-political and scientific environment of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Main Results:

• Several hidden and explicit, objective and subjective factors impeded the widespread application of hedonal.
• The discovery's potential was not fully realized due to these barriers.
• Russian surgeons' self-perception was significantly tied to validation from German scientific circles.

Conclusions:

• The limited dissemination of "Russian narcosis" was a complex issue influenced by multiple factors.
• Understanding these historical barriers provides insights into scientific progress and recognition.
• The study highlights the historical interplay between national scientific endeavors and international validation.