The Evolution of Anesthesia: Pioneers and Progress

This chapter examines the groundbreaking history of nitrous oxide and ether as anesthetics, tracing their discovery from Humphrey Davy to Horace Wells and beyond. It highlights key moments, successes, and failures in the pursuit of painless surgery, revealing the competitive nature of early anesthetic pioneers. Through these narratives, the chapter sheds light on the profound impact of anesthesia on medical practices and societal perceptions in the 19th century.