Joseph Lister, 1st Baron Lister

Joseph Lister (1827-1912) was a British surgeon and medical researcher who is considered the father of modern antiseptic surgery. He introduced the use of antiseptics during surgical procedures in order to reduce the risk of infection. He specifically used a solution of carbolic acid (phenol) to clean wounds and sterilize instruments. Lister's methods greatly reduced the mortality rate of surgical patients and were quickly adopted by surgeons throughout the world.