The Anaesthesia Heritage Centre at the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland was founded from a donation by A Charles King but has since embraced numerous contributions. The collection encompasses the entire history of anaesthesia, from Morton's demonstration of ether inhalation in 1846 to modern anaesthetic machines and appliances still in use today. An archive and library provide excellent facilities for research into the history of anaesthesia.
Visit www.aagbi.org for more information.
The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland
21 Portland Place
London
W1B 1PY
Tel. 020 7631 1650
Fax. 020 7631 4352
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Opening Hours
Current exhibition
A Blessing in Disguise: Misuse of Anaesthesia
Exhibition runs until mid March 2013
Prior to the first successful demonstration of ether anaesthesia in 1846, few surgical operations could be performed. By the 1840s sniffing gases and vapours for fun had become popular. This paved the way for the introduction of agents that enabled surgery to be performed painlessly.
This was one of the most important discoveries in medicine. However, even at the very beginning of anaesthesia, pioneers such as John Snow recognised that these drugs could be dangerous in the wrong hands.
This exhibition will explore how one of the most important advances in medicine can be misused and the expertise of anaesthetists who administer them safely.
Please contact us on 020 7631 1650 or email heritage@aagbi.org for details of opening hours.
Free entry, but booking is highly recommended