History: 19th Century Medicine Flashcards
What was Robert Liston’s ideology on surgery?
Speed is essential to minimize pain
What were the mortality rates for surgery due to Liston?
80%
What did James Simpson use on his patients?
He used ether
Why was ether dangerous?
- It was a highly flammable and explosive substance
- When surgeons worked fast the friction often set the ether alight
When did James Simpson discover chloroform?
Discovered in 1847
How did Simspon discover chloroform?
When sniffing chemicals with his friend (chance)
What did John Snow deduce about chloroform?
Reduces the rate of heartbeat
An overdose caused the brain cells to die
1/2 teaspoon killed
What did Snow invent to reduce chloroform deaths?
He invented the chloroform inhaler
Who used the chloroform inhaler during pregnancy?
Queen Victoria
What approach did the government have to issues?
Laissez Faire = don’t interfere
How many people died from cholera?
50,000 died from cholera
Who was Edwin Chadwick?
- Lawyer and social reformer
- Handled a report that link public health with lifestyle
