James Young Simpson and Chloroform

When James Young Simpson discovered the anaesthetic powers of chloroform it rapidly became the preferred form of anaesthetic for women in childbirth, including Queen Victoria herself.

Professor David Purdie is a medical Professor Emitus and spent much of his career in academia and research focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of the brittle bone disease, Osteoporosis. Since his retirement in 2007 David has devoted his attention to researching, writing and public speaking, particularly on the subject of the Scottish Enlightenment.

In this short talk David discusses the eminent nineteenth century physician and President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh James Young Simpson and his central role in the development and use of chloroform.