Welcome to the History of Anaesthesia Society Website
Founded in 1986, the History of Anaesthesia Society aims to promote the study of the history of anaesthesia and related disciplines and to provide a forum and social ambience for discussion among members.
An illustrated list of important dates in the evolution of modern anaesthesia can be found on our historical timeline page.
Today whilst the anaesthetist's major role still lies in providing anaesthesia during surgery, they are also involved in the preparation of surgical patients, the relief of post-operative pain, in obstetric units, in cardiac arrest teams, in intensive care units, in accident and emergency departments, in chronic pain management, in acute pain teams, in dentistry, in psychiatry for patients receiving ECT, as well as the provision of sedation and anaesthesia for patients undergoing radiology and radio-therapy procedures.
An illustrated list of important dates in the evolution of modern anaesthesia can be found on our historical timeline page.
Today whilst the anaesthetist's major role still lies in providing anaesthesia during surgery, they are also involved in the preparation of surgical patients, the relief of post-operative pain, in obstetric units, in cardiac arrest teams, in intensive care units, in accident and emergency departments, in chronic pain management, in acute pain teams, in dentistry, in psychiatry for patients receiving ECT, as well as the provision of sedation and anaesthesia for patients undergoing radiology and radio-therapy procedures.
From the president
2011 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Society. Since the James Young Simpson Bicentenary took precedent as a celebration to be held this year, the Society will hold a belated celebration at its 2012 Summer Scientific Meeting which will be held at the Hilton St Annes Manor, London Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 1ST on 29th and 30th June.
The Society’s thanks go to Alistair McKenzie for the organisation of the 2011 Summer Meeting. Held Jointly with the Lad o Pairts group, this took place in the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Highlights included the Blessed Chloroform Lecture 'James Young Simpson – the justification for anesthesia and an interesting “American” book' by Professor Douglas Bacon and 'Simpson: the nature of his genius' by Dr Morrice McCrae.
I would like to thank Gary Enever who stepped down as webmaster in 2010. Gary took over from Mike Palmer and developed the site that had been established by David Zuck. I am pleased to announce that Dr Anne Florence confirmed as the President Elect of the Society at the 25th AGM and we also welcome Dr Chris Woollam as our new Honorary Secretary.
One again the standard of this year’s AAGBI/HAS History Essay Prize was high, and in the end a joint first prize was awarded to Dr Harriet Wordsworth, a CT1, for her essay 'The history of biopsychosocial pain – a tale of gladiators, war, papal doctrine and a wrestler' and to Dr Sarah Marsh, an ST6, for her essay 'The evolution of critical care outreach'.
The annual subscription to be a member of the History of Anaesthesia Society is still only £20.00, interested historians of all ages are most welcome - see join the society.
Dr Neil Adams
The Society’s thanks go to Alistair McKenzie for the organisation of the 2011 Summer Meeting. Held Jointly with the Lad o Pairts group, this took place in the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Highlights included the Blessed Chloroform Lecture 'James Young Simpson – the justification for anesthesia and an interesting “American” book' by Professor Douglas Bacon and 'Simpson: the nature of his genius' by Dr Morrice McCrae.
I would like to thank Gary Enever who stepped down as webmaster in 2010. Gary took over from Mike Palmer and developed the site that had been established by David Zuck. I am pleased to announce that Dr Anne Florence confirmed as the President Elect of the Society at the 25th AGM and we also welcome Dr Chris Woollam as our new Honorary Secretary.
One again the standard of this year’s AAGBI/HAS History Essay Prize was high, and in the end a joint first prize was awarded to Dr Harriet Wordsworth, a CT1, for her essay 'The history of biopsychosocial pain – a tale of gladiators, war, papal doctrine and a wrestler' and to Dr Sarah Marsh, an ST6, for her essay 'The evolution of critical care outreach'.
The annual subscription to be a member of the History of Anaesthesia Society is still only £20.00, interested historians of all ages are most welcome - see join the society.
Dr Neil Adams
