Edinburgh & Lothians



Robert Liston (1794-1847)

Robert Liston (1794-1847) born in Ecclesmachan, was one of the most brilliant surgeons of the early 19th century. Famed for his surgical skill and speed, a great asset before the widespread use of anaesthetics, he commonly performed leg amputations in just 90 seconds! He undertook the first major operation under general anaesthesia (ether) in England in December 1846

back to Surgeons' Hall Museum, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh