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.

Obstetrical Anaesthesia

On January 19, 1847 he was the first to apply a modern anaesthetic, ether, to alleviate the pain of labour. Many opposed this practice as it was viewed as an act against nature or the will of God. Despite such hostilities, Simpson searched further to find a better anaesthetic and discovered the effects of chloroform. Vindication of his efforts came when Queen Victoria used chloroform during the delivery of Prince Leopold in 1853. The anaesthetist was John Snow.

Related Topics:
January 19 - 1847 - Ether - Labour - Chloroform - Queen Victoria - Prince Leopold - John Snow

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