Joseph Lister

5 April 1827 – 10 February 1912

Joseph Lister was a British surgeon and pioneer of antiseptic surgery. Building on Louis Pasteur's germ theory, he introduced the use of carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments and clean wounds, dramatically reducing post-operative infections and transforming surgical practice.

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Life events

Born in Upton, Essex, England
5 April 1827

Joseph Lister was born into a prosperous Quaker family.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Graduated in medicine from University College London
1852

He earned his medical degree and became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Agnes Syme
1856

He married the daughter of the surgeon James Syme, and she became his devoted laboratory partner.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed Regius Professor of Surgery at Glasgow
1860

He became professor of surgery at the University of Glasgow.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Introduced antiseptic surgery with carbolic acid
1865

He successfully treated a compound fracture using carbolic acid dressings, pioneering antiseptic technique.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Published his antiseptic principle in The Lancet
1867

He published a series of papers describing his antiseptic system, which gradually gained acceptance.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Appointed professor of surgery at King's College London
1877

He moved to London to spread his antiseptic methods at King's College Hospital.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Raised to the peerage as Baron Lister
1897

He was created a baron, becoming one of the first medical men to receive such an honour.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Walmer, Kent
10 February 1912

Joseph Lister died at his country home at the age of 84.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓