Pain relief used prior to Chloroform and its limitationsOpium, an ancient anaesthetic which only dulled pain. This was highly addictive, hallucinogenic, and it didn't knock you out.Laughing gas (nitrogen oxide) is used by dentists today. This did not work for everyone, kept you conscious and you risk death if you inhale too much.Ether was highly flammable, and the drug irritated the lungs causing the patient to twitch which is not ideal whilst operating.Doctors worked fast during operations because the longer the patient is in pain the higher the risk gets of death. This fast pace lead to making a lot of mistakes.
Chloroform, the story:James Simpson was a doctor, he was keen to help women who suffered immense pain during childbirth. He inhaled lots of chemicals to fin one to knock him out, he got knocked out. Chloroform the solvent used in sewers, knocked him out. He tested this by giving people chloroform 'champagne' as soon as they smelt it they were unconscious. He had now discovered an effective anaesthetic for childbirth. The pregnant women weren't knocked out though, they were just given enough to cure the pain.
Slide 2
Attitudes towards Chloroform
Who opposed his work and why?Religious people believed that childbirth pain was sent to punish Eve (As in Adam& Eve) and so they should bear it out. Or they believed that Chloroform was a decoy of Satan, the devil's birth, childbirth was given by God you shouldn't change the experience.Women under the influence of Chloroform had erotic dreams and bad language which is why some doctors opposed. The side effects of chloroform were unknown, which is why many doctors opposed it.Hannah Greener had an ingrowing toe nail, she overdosed on chloroform during the operation and died. People take different heeds of anaesthetic and so they never knew how much or how little to give a patient to ensure a successful operation.
What events made Chloroform more acceptable?Chloroform became popular when Queen Victoria used in with her 8th childbirth. She became a great fan of the chemical which gave other women the confidence to use it because it can't possibly be dangerous if THE QUEEN uses it.
Slide 3
Conclusion
Why was the discovery of Chloroform a turning point?This new found chemical only solved 1 of the 3 problems in surgery during the 19th century. They still had blood loss and sanitation to cope with.
