The Birth of Anaesthesia as a Medical Specialty
For decades after 1846, anaesthesia was administered by untrained personnel. John Snow and Joseph Clover were pioneering exceptions. The Association of Anaesthetists was founded in 1932; the Diploma in Anaesthetics followed in 1935. Ralph Waters established the first academic department in 1927. Anaesthesia became a recognised specialty through visionary pioneers, professional organisation, and institutional recognition.
