After reading Germ Theory, what did Lister begin to use on his patients in surgery?

Study for the WJEC GCSE History of Medicine Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question providing hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam effectively!

Multiple Choice

After reading Germ Theory, what did Lister begin to use on his patients in surgery?

Explanation:
Germ theory shows infections come from tiny organisms, so stopping those germs in the operating room could save lives. Lister took this idea and turned it into practice by using a chemical to kill germs in and around wounds. He chose carbolic acid (phenol) as an antiseptic, applying it to surgical instruments, dressings, and the wounds themselves, and even using a carbolic spray in the room. This markedly reduced post-operative infections and set a new standard for surgery. Alcohol and chlorine are also antiseptics, and mercury has been used as a disinfectant in some contexts, but the notable breakthrough associated with Lister was the use of carbolic acid.

Germ theory shows infections come from tiny organisms, so stopping those germs in the operating room could save lives. Lister took this idea and turned it into practice by using a chemical to kill germs in and around wounds. He chose carbolic acid (phenol) as an antiseptic, applying it to surgical instruments, dressings, and the wounds themselves, and even using a carbolic spray in the room. This markedly reduced post-operative infections and set a new standard for surgery. Alcohol and chlorine are also antiseptics, and mercury has been used as a disinfectant in some contexts, but the notable breakthrough associated with Lister was the use of carbolic acid.

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