Joseph Lister (1827

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Biography

Joseph Lister, 1st Baron Lister, was an English surgeon, medical scientist, experimental pathologist and pioneer of antiseptic surgery and preventive healthcare. Lister revolutionised the craft of surgery by the use of close anatomical observation, in the same manner that John Hunter revolutionised the science of surgery.

Timeline

The story of Joseph Lister, told in moments.

1865 Event

Performed the first antiseptic surgery at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Applied carbolic acid to a compound fracture. The wound healed without infection. At the time, nearly half of amputation patients died from gangrene.

What made you try carbolic acid when no one else would? Did watching half your amputation patients die feel personal? Was that first antiseptic surgery the most terrifying moment of your career?

1870 Life

Published "On the Antiseptic Principle in the Practice of Surgery." Most surgeons mocked him. They operated in street clothes with unwashed hands. Lister's mortality rates dropped from 45% to 15%. The numbers convinced them.

How did you endure surgeons mocking you while patients died? Did the mortality rates dropping from 45% to 15% end the argument? Was publishing your findings an act of courage?

1897 Life

Created Baron Lister. The first medical practitioner elevated to the peerage for services to medicine. Listerine mouthwash was named after him, though he had no involvement with the product.

Does it amuse you that Listerine carries your name without your involvement? Was becoming Baron Lister recognition enough? Did being the first medical peer feel like vindication?

1912 Death

Died at his home in Walmer, Kent. Age 84.

What would you want modern surgeons to never forget? Did you imagine your antiseptic principle would last this long? Was 84 years enough to see your ideas win?

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