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.  Membership is open to any persons over the age of 18 years who is interested in the study of the history of anaesthesia.  The Society holds an annual two-day conference, incorporating the AGM, each Autumn.  In addition the Society has supported various projects connected with the history of anaesthesia.  It funded the restoration of the gravestone of Sir Frederic Hewitt and has contributed towards the restoration of John Snow's grave as well as the Simpson grave in Edinburgh.  Donations have been made in connection with the Hickman exhibition in Ludlow, and to the Erasmus Darwin museum in Lichfield.  In commemoration of Joseph Priestley's researches into oxygen and nitrous oxide a garden seat was presented to Bowood House.  The Society funded the conservation of the Casebooks of John Snow, which are held in the library of the Royal College of Physicians.  The Society has reprinted Dr Barbara Duncum's book 'The Development of Inhalation Anaesthesia' and printed 'Essays on the History of Anaesthesia', based on the earlier volumes of the Proceedings. 
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Latest News: 

Congratulations to Drs Declan Warde, Joseph Tracey and John Cahill: winners of the 2023 Anesthesia History Association David M. Little Jr, book prize
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Anesthesia History Association 2024 Annual meeting: Thursday 25th - Saturday 27th April 2024
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​The Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology will partner with the AHA to host this meeting in Schaumburg, Illinois.  More details to follow.

​HAS Scientific meeting 2024: Wednesday 25th - Thursday 26th September 2024
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The next HAS Scientific meeting will be held at the Three Swans Hotel, Market Harborough, Northamptonshire,  September 25th and 26th 2024.  More details to follow.
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Mayo Clinic Department of Anesthesiology Centennial meeting - joint with Anesthesia History Association: Thursday 24th - Sunday 27th April 2025
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​​The Mayo Department of Anesthesiology is holding a centennial meeting (joint with the Anesthesia History Association) at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota from Thursday 24th - Sunday 27th April 2025.   The programme will contain ample time for free papers on the history of anaesthesia, critical care, and pain medicine.  More details to follow.
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International Symposium on the History of Anaesthesia: September 2025
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The next ISHA will be held in Paris in September 2025.
For more details see the ISHA website (under construction at time of posting)