From LSD to the IRB: Henry Beecher's Psychedelic Research and the Foundation of Clinical Ethics
International Anesthesiology Clinics January 1, 2007 DOI: 10.1097/aia.0b013e31811f4613 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe development of anesthesia in the mid-19th century transformed surgery from a desperate, agonizing ordeal into a controlled, humane procedure. This historical account traces the early use of ether and chloroform, highlighting key figures such as William T.G. Morton and John Snow, and the rapid adoption of anesthesia in both America and Europe. It describes the initial skepticism and ethical debates surrounding pain relief, as well as the profound impact on surgical practice, patient outcomes, and the professionalization of anesthesiology. The narrative also examines the social and cultural shifts that accompanied the acceptance of anesthesia, including changes in patient expectations and the role of the anesthesiologist.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychology Medicine |
| Citations | 13 |
| Key finding | The introduction of anesthesia in the mid-19th century revolutionized surgery by eliminating pain, enabling more complex procedures, and establishing anesthesiology as a medical specialty. |
Abstract
University of Michigan Medical School Ann Arbor, Michigan A version of this article appeared in the Bulletin of Anesthesia History (July, 2005). The author thanks Dr Edward Lowenstein, Dr George Battit, Dr Bucknam McPeek, and Dr Warren Zapol of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Dr Johnathan Moreno of the University of Virginia for their interest and helpful contributions to this project. The author also thanks Dr Doris Cope for permission to reproduce a modified version of the original text.