The history of “modern” anesthesia technology - A critical reappraisal

Abstract

This paper is the first in a series of publications. These investigate, whether important elements of the historiography of anesthesia require a critical reappraisal. A systematic, combined presentation, contextualization and assessment of recent European research is provided. This includes the author's own findings. These emanate from two extensive projects. They combine very recent findings with results of earlier research, conducted by the author and numerous collaborators over the last 18 years. The findings represent an ever increasing and ever more robust body of evidence. They add an important new element to our international historiography. As an introduction, several definitions will be given for criteria, which designate “modern” anesthesia and its technology. On one of these criteria, the history of professionalization and specialization, a short overview will be given. This will be followed by an overview of general contexts, key features and early achievements of anesthesia-related technology. All results will be compared with a currently dominating narrative: This alleges “dominance” of US-American and British pioneers and developments. Apparent biases and inconsistencies are identified. These suggest that our current, international historiography of anesthesia may require a critical reassessment. Three subsequent articles will focus on specific aspects of anesthesia technique and technology. Their results likewise suggest a history of internationalism and trans-disciplinary reciprocity, rather than of national dominances. Further investigations will aim to ascertain the nature and extent of potential interactions, which may nowadays be underrecognized.