Among all the great discoveries and inventions of the nineteenth century, few offer us a more fascinating insight into Victorian society than the discovery of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia offered pain-free operations, childbirth with reduced suffering, and instant access to the world beyond consciousness. And yet, upon its introduction, Victorian medics, moralists, clergymen, and scientists, were plunged into turmoil. From this turmoil, a profound change in attitudes began to be realised, as the view that physical suffering could, and should, be prevented permeated through society.
In the third of their Artefacts from the Manchester Museum of Medicine and Health talks, medical historian Stephanie Snow will explore the debate and controversy that surrounded the development of anaesthetics using objects from the Museum’s collections.
The talk is open to staff, students and the general public and will be followed by a short drinks reception to celebrate the museum’s collaboration with NOWGEN.
Date: Thursday 5th December 2013, 4:30pm
Venue: University Place 6.207
Booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/blessed-days-of-anaesthesia-tickets-9338988165?ref=estw
