Sir James Young Simpson, 1811 - 1870. Discoverer of chloroform [a]
About this artwork
An Edinburgh obstetrician, Sir James Young Simpson is famous for his discovery of the use of chloroform as an anaesthetic during surgery and childbirth. In 1847, whilst searching for a substitute for ether, known to have several disadvantages, Simpson and his assistants tried inhaling a sample of chloroform. Their immediate collapse and unconsciousness convinced them of the effectiveness of the substance as a sedative and painkiller, and within a week it had been successfully used during surgery.
Updated before 2020
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artists:
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title:Sir James Young Simpson, 1811 - 1870. Discoverer of chloroform [a]
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date created:1843 - 1847
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materials:Salted paper print
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measurements:17.60 x 14.40 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Elliot Collection, bequeathed 1950
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accession number:PGP HA 1965
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gallery:
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depicted:
Robert Adamson
Robert Adamson
Robert Adamson was one of the first professional photographers, setting up in business in Edinburgh in March 1843. He had aspired to be an engineer but his health was too poor. His brother, John, who was involved in the early experiments with photography in St Andrews, taught him the calotype...