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History of anaesthesia: Other resources

This guide has been designed for anaesthetists interested in history of anaesthesia to locate relevant resources on this topic, including those available through the ANZCA library.

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Historical timelines

Australian Society of Anaesthetists: History and heritage
Discover the history of anaesthesia and the ASA with the Harry Daly Museum, Richard Bailey Library and Gwen Wilson Archives.
Britannica: Anesthetics through history
Drugs of various kinds have been used for many centuries to reduce the distress of surgical operations.
International Anesthesia Research Society: International Anesthesia Research Society and Anesthesia & Analgesia Historical Timeline
Through this historical timeline, we invite you to reflect on the foundation, some of the key moments and people who made the International Anesthesia Research Society and Anesthesia & Analgesia what it is today.
Royal College of Anaesthetists: The History of Anaesthesia.
From plants to the anaesthetics machinery of today, this page gives an entertaining account of the history of anaesthesia including discoveries, developments, and great events.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System: A Brief History of Anesthesiology
Like every branch of medicine, the discovery and study of anesthesia has been a long one, full of twists and turns, dead ends, weird ideas and incredible innovation.
Science Museum (UK): The Art of Anaesthesia.
Before we had modern anaesthesia, surgery was horrifically painful. The search for pain relief goes back a long way, and it’s a tale of mind-altering states, poisonous plants and recreational drugs.
University of Melbourne: The Milk of Amnesia: A Brief History of Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia has come a long way from its origins in dentistry in 1840s America, but just how it works remains a medical mystery
World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA): History of Anaesthesia.
Although many individuals administered anaesthetic agents in the decade 1835-1845, they were not widely publicised and did not impact on general medical practice. On 16 October 1846, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, the first public demonstration of ether anaesthesia took place.
Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology (WLM): History of Anaesthesia
The Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology (WLM) presents an interactive timeline of the history of anesthesia and the profession of anesthesiology through important milestone people, places, dates and developments.

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Videos

ANZCA: History of Anaesthesia (YouTube playlist)
The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists' YouTube channel includes a playlist of videos on the History of Anaesthesia.

Recent videos:

Dr Penelope Briscoe, AM talks with Dr Gretel Davidson about her career in pain medicine

Dr Briscoe completed training in anaesthesia in 1982 and her career in pain medicine began in 1984. She was a foundation fellow of the Faculty of Pain Medicine. Dr Briscoe was first elected to the board of the faculty in 2000, she was chair of the examination committee from 2000 to 2008, and then, in 2008, was the first woman elected dean of the faculty.

Presented by: Gretel Davidson
Presented: 25 October, 2025
Duration: 20 minutes

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