By: Jordan Gray

Joseph Lister

Born on April 5, 1827, in Upton, England, and died on February 10, 1912, in Walmer, England.

He was an English surgeon and amateur scientist.Developed the modern procedure for surgery2nd of 3 childrenWife was Agnes Syme(Professor Syme’s daughter)

His Personal Life

Went to Quaker schools as a young child Attended the University of London in 1847

and was able to get his Bachelor of Arts degree

Also gained his Bachelors degrees in Medicine and Surgery at the University of London

Education

Joseph Lister always wondered why it was that a lot of operating patients from various doctors always passed away. Most of the time, the operation could have been a success and have gone smoothly, but the patient still died afterwards. He thought that maybe it could be some kind of infection causing the patient to get sick, but didn’t know where or how it started. He was handed research papers published by Louis Pasteur, a French chemist who discovered the reason why wine went bad (faulty fermentation), his conclusion being that germs entered through the air and not from within, if not stored properly. Lister wanted to investigate further and find a way to prevent an infection from spreading to the patients.

How He Came About

Referring back to Louis Pasteur’s studies, Lister thought that the infection must enter the wound from the outside.

He compared patients that had fractures or broken bones, realizing that the pierced skin is being exposed to air, and could contribute to an infection sparking.

Believed that after an operation on a patient, the wound had to be thoroughly cleaned so that germs couldn’t easily slip into the body

Debated that doctors could pass on life-threatening diseases to the next visited patient after operating, especially since they didn’t clean the blood off of their clothes, hands, or tools

Theories

In 1861, Lister made the discovery that at least 45 to 50% of the patients that were cut open with knifes and were punctured with sharp tools died from sepsis, a local invasion of the body from pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins.

Although the discovery of Lister was proven, a lot of people didn’t want to accept it, or made fun of it. Some doctors/surgeons didn’t believe in germs!

Those that did believe Lister, still thought that nothing could be done to prevent the spread of infection, and began to accept the reality of their patients dying.

Discoveries

In 1847, Lister first experimented with calcium chloride by washing his hands in it, and advised other surgeons to do the same after every operation.

He practiced this method (called the antisepsis method) every day at work from that point, and washed his hands and wearing clean, blood-free clothes before each surgery.

Since carbolic acid was used to clean sewers, he had guessed that it also eliminated the foul smells by killing the bacteria in the air, which later prompted him to start working with it in 1865, to wash his hands, instruments, and bandages used on patients.

Procedures

Invented the antisepsis method, which is a part of today’s modern surgery advancements

Created a routine where he covered the wound with a piece of lint drenched in carbolic acid, whereas the death rate fell significantly

Invented a machine that misted out portions of carbolic acid into the air around the operation table and equipment, to kill off airborne germs. Also invented the carbolic spray.

Inventions/Contributions

Years Total Cases

Recovered Died Death Rate

1864-1866 35 19 16 45.7%

1867-1870 40 34 6 15.0%

This table explains the recorded data from Joseph Lister over a 6-year period about the final percentage death rate of his patients, specifically, after being operated on. The first two years were before he invented the antisepsis method.

Honors/CareersBecame a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1852.

In 1853, moved to Edinburgh and became an assistant of Professor James Syme.

Became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1860.

Was made Professor of Surgery at Glasgow University in 1860.

Published The Lancet (his discoveries made in his medical journal) in 1867.

Returned to Edinburgh to become Professor of Clinical Surgery in 1869.

Became Professor of Surgery at King’s College Hospital in London in 1877.

His principle of the antisepsis method had gained nearly worldwide approval by 1879.Became known as the “Father of Antiseptic Surgery”.

The “Listerine” mouthwash was named after him in 1879

Promoted to President of the Royal Society

Upgraded to Vice-President of the Royal College of Surgeons

President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science

In 1891, the British Institute of Preventative Medicine was helped established by Lister, and was renamed the Lister Institute in 1903.

His Later Years

www.historylearningsite.co.uk/joseph_lister.htm

www.biography.com/people/joseph-lister-37032

www.answersingenesis.org/articles/cm/v14/n2/joseph-lister

Sources