Sir James Young Simpson, 1st Baronet (7 June 1811 – 6 May 1870) was a Scottish obstetrician and a significant figure in the history of medicine. Simpson discovered the anesthetic properties of chloroform and successfully popularized the drug for use in medicine.
Biographical Overview
Born in Scotland, 1811-1870 Obstetrician Introduced the practice of anesthesia in medicine.
Worldview
His greatest discovery according to his own testimony, was “That I have a Saviour!”
Using a biblical worldview perspective, Simpson successfully applied the scientific method to investigate the laws of nature, His worldview is notable from what he said –
“But again I looked and saw Jesus, my substitute, scourged in my stead and dying on the cross for me. I looked and cried and was forgiven. And it seems to be my duty to tell you of that Saviour, to see if you will not also look and live. ‘He was wounded for our transgressions … and with His stripes we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:5,6)” excerpt from one of his evangelical Gospel tracts
James Simpson
A plaque dedicated to him on his statue at Westminster Abbey reads:
To whose genius and benevolence
The world owes the blessings derived
From the use of chloroform for
The relief of suffering
Laus Deo
