Joseph Lister

Date of Birth: April 5, 1827

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: February 10, 1912

Biography

Joseph Lister, 1st Baron Lister, OM, PC, PRS, FRS (April 5, 1827 – February 10, 1912) was a British surgeon and a pioneer of antiseptic surgery. He is known for his groundbreaking work in the development and application of antiseptic methods in surgery, which drastically reduced postoperative infections and mortality rates. Born in Upton, Essex, England, Lister was the second son of Joseph Jackson Lister, a pioneer of achromatic object lenses for the microscope. Lister’s education began at the University College London, where he studied botany and medicine. He later became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. Lister’s most significant contribution to medicine was his introduction of carbolic acid (phenol) to sterilize surgical instruments and clean wounds, which marked the beginning of modern antiseptic surgery. His methods were initially met with skepticism but eventually gained widespread acceptance, revolutionizing surgical practice and saving countless lives. Throughout his career, Lister held several prestigious positions, including Professor of Surgery at the University of Glasgow and King’s College Hospital in London. He was also elected President of the Royal Society and was made a baronet by Queen Victoria in 1883 for his services to medicine.

5 Interesting Facts about Joseph Lister

1. Joseph Lister’s father, Joseph Jackson Lister, was a pioneer in the development of the compound microscope.

2. Lister first began experimenting with antiseptic techniques while working at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

3. He was influenced by the work of Louis Pasteur, who demonstrated the role of microorganisms in fermentation and putrefaction.

4. Lister’s antiseptic techniques were initially met with resistance, but their undeniable success eventually led to widespread adoption.

5. He was the first medical professional to be made a peer, taking the title of Baron Lister in 1897.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joseph Lister

1. “It is our proud office to tend the sick chamber and to watch over the cradle of the future.”

2. “I am a believer in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity.”

3. “To this day, I feel a thrill of exultation whenever I see the germ theory of disease triumphing over the old, worn-out theories.”

4. “When I first put forward the antiseptic system, it met with little acceptance.”

5. “On the continent, the medical profession generally received the principles of my antiseptic system with favor.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While historical records do not provide exact figures, Joseph Lister’s contributions to medicine and his subsequent honors, including being made a baron, suggest he achieved significant recognition and financial comfort in his lifetime.