From LSD to the IRB: Henry Beecher's Psychedelic Research and the Foundation of Clinical Ethics
International Anesthesiology Clinics January 1, 2007 G. Mashour 13 citations
The 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.