Edward Lister (physician)

19th-century British surgeon and pioneer of antiseptic surgery

Edward Lister (5 April 1827 – 10 February 1912) was a British surgeon and a pioneer of antiseptic surgery. His work in the field of surgery and infection control laid the foundation for modern surgical techniques and significantly reduced the mortality rate from surgical procedures.

Early life and education

Edward Lister was born in Upton, Essex, England. He was the fourth of seven children in a prosperous Quaker family. Lister was educated at University College London, where he initially studied mathematics and natural sciences. He later pursued a career in medicine, enrolling at the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated with a degree in medicine in 1852.

Career

Early career

After completing his medical degree, Lister worked as a house surgeon at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. It was during this time that he became interested in the problem of postoperative infections, which were a major cause of death in surgical patients.

Development of antiseptic techniques

Edward Lister, pioneer of antiseptic surgery

Lister's interest in infection control led him to study the work of Louis Pasteur, who had demonstrated that microorganisms were responsible for fermentation and putrefaction. Inspired by Pasteur's findings, Lister hypothesized that microorganisms were also responsible for postoperative infections.

In 1865, Lister began experimenting with the use of carbolic acid (phenol) as an antiseptic. He applied carbolic acid to surgical wounds and dressings, significantly reducing the incidence of infection. Lister's antiseptic method was first used successfully in a case involving a compound fracture, where the patient recovered without infection.

Impact and legacy

Lister's work revolutionized the field of surgery. His antiseptic techniques were initially met with skepticism, but they gradually gained acceptance as their effectiveness became evident. Lister's methods were adopted in hospitals across Europe and America, leading to a dramatic decrease in surgical mortality rates.

In recognition of his contributions to medicine, Lister was made a baronet in 1883 and was later elevated to the peerage as Baron Lister of Lyme Regis in 1897. He served as President of the Royal Society from 1895 to 1900 and was awarded numerous honors throughout his career.

Personal life

Lister married Agnes Syme, the daughter of his mentor, James Syme, in 1856. The couple had no children. Lister was known for his modesty and dedication to his work. He continued to teach and conduct research until his retirement.

Death

Edward Lister died on 10 February 1912 at the age of 84. He was buried in West Hampstead Cemetery, London. His contributions to medicine have had a lasting impact, and he is remembered as one of the greatest surgeons in history.

Related pages

• Antiseptic
• Surgery
• Louis Pasteur
• Infection control