Anesthetic drugs have undergone a remarkable evolution since the discovery of ether in the 19th century. This article traces the journey of anesthetic agents from their primitive forms to the sophisticated formulations utilized in modern medicine. Beginning with the pioneering experiments of William T.G. Morton and Crawford Long, we explore the development of various classes of anesthetics, including volatile anesthetics, intravenous agents and local anesthetics. Emphasizing both historical milestones and contemporary innovations, this narrative highlights the transformative impact of anesthetic drugs on surgical practice and patient care.
HTML PDFShare this article
Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology: Open Access received 31 citations as per Google Scholar report