N A Bergman

Michael Faraday and his contribution to anesthesia.

Anesthesiology October 1, 1992 N A Bergman

Michael Faraday, best known for his work on electromagnetic induction, also contributed to the introduction of anesthesia. In 1818, he published an anonymous announcement that inhaling ether vapor produced effects on mentation and consciousness similar to those of nitrous oxide. Faraday likely learned about nitrous oxide's effects from his mentor Humphry Davy, an avid user. Ether was cheap and easily available, unlike nitrous oxide which required expensive apparatus. This announcement helped lead to student "ether frolics" and eventually the first surgical anesthetics. Notations in Faraday's handwriting confirm his authorship.