Medcine, health and fitness
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Abstract
Among all the great discoveries and inventions of the nineteenth century, few offer a more fascinating insight into Victorian society than the discovery of anaesthesia. Now considered one of the greatest inventions for humanity since the printing press, 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.