James Young Simpson

Sir James Young Simpson, (June 7, 1811 born in Bathgate, West Lothian, died May 6, 1870), professor of midwifery at the University of Edinburgh and physician to Queen Victoria, was a pioneer in Victorian medicine.

Career

Simpson completed his final medical examination at the age of 18 but, as he was too young, had to wait two years before he got his licence to practice medicine. He developed an interest in obstetrics, and by the age of 28 he became Chair of the Midwifery at the University of Edinburgh. He improved on the design of the obstetrical forceps and, like Semmelweis, he fought against the contagiousness of puerperal sepsis. His most noted contribution, however, was the introduction of anesthesia to childbirth.

Related Topics:
Midwifery - University of Edinburgh - Forceps - Semmelweis - Puerperal sepsis - Anesthesia - Childbirth

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