Lord Joseph ListerBorn 5 Apr 1827; died 10 Feb 1912 at age 84. Lord Joseph Lister (Baron Lister, of Lyme Regis) was an English surgeon and medical scientist who was the founder of antiseptic medicine and a pioneer in preventive medicine. Influenced by Louis Pasteur's germ theory, Lister resolved to keep such organisms away from wounds. His book,On the Antiseptic Principle in the Practice of Surgery (1867), was the first treatise on the subject. While at the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, he introduced the use of carbolic acid (phenol) as a disinfectant used on bandages, ligatures, utensils, as well as for direct use on wounds and washing surgeon's hands. His first such surgery was conducted on 12 Aug 1865. Modern medical practice continues to follow Lister's principle that wounds must be kept free of bacteria, though sterilization has replaced mostantiseptic use. Lister was the first medical person raised to the peerage.« |
