Simpson, James Young (1811–1870)

Scottish obstetrician who pioneered the use of chloroform as an anesthetic (see anesthesia), especially for mothers during childbirth.

Simpson was born at Bathgate, Linlithgowshire, a baker's son, the youngest of eight. At an early age he showed an exceptional ability for medical observation and research, entering the University of Edinburgh aged only 14 and quickly attracting the attention of his teachers there. He took his M.D. in 1832, his thesis of Death from Inflammation being highly praised; and in 1835 was elected president of the Royal Medical Society. In 1840 he was appointed Chair of Midwifery at Edinburgh.

The use of anesthesia in surgery had been pioneered in the US by William Morton, who administered diethyl ether to his patients undergo dental work. In 1847 Simpson gained fame by using chloroform for the first time as an anesthetic.

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• PHYSICIANS, SURGEONS, AND ANATOMISTS

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