Heroes and Cultural Identity Project

SCE Heroes - Dr James Young Simpson

Doctor James Young Simpson

Doctor James Young a Scottish Doctor who discovered the anaesthetic Chloroform's other uses. James young lived in Scotland his whole life and achieved a great many things for someone who came from a very simple background. The great doctor was the son of a country baker. The method of Simpson discovery could be considered very comical. When he was ready to reveal his discovery and ideas to the scientific community he brought round to his house reputed doctors and showed them his chloroform when they all smelled the anaesthetic they collapsed into unconsciousness. When a maid entered she thought there had been a murder and the police were called to investigate when the men woke up to the shock of the police and maid. The successful testing of the anaesthetic led to its use in fields such as dentistry, Surgery and obstetrics. Doctor Simpson lived in Edinburgh his whole life and was buried in Gray friars Kirk yard he lived from 1811 - 1870 A simple country boy who grew up to become a man of science and used his knowledge to lessen the suffering of others a truly great man.

Peter Meiklejohn is a science student following a one year university access course in biological sciences.