The Oldest Chemical Evidence of Anesthesia was Found in A Poisonous Plant in China
Archaeologists have found direct chemical traces of anesthesia on ancient surgical instruments for the first time. This discovery shows that Chinese doctors knew how to safely use a potent plant poison in surgeries as far back as 600 years ago.
In Jiangyin, China, scientists re-examined iron scissors and tweezers found in 1974 in the tomb of Xia Quan, a renowned Ming Dynasty surgeon who lived in the 14th and early 15th centuries.
For a long time, these tools were considered only valuable archaeological artifacts. However, modern analytical methods have made it possible to detect tiny reddish particles on the metal surface.
In a new study published in the journal Antiquity , scientists used laser spectroscopy to find that the particles contained chemical traces of a substance similar to aconite, a potent alkaloid found in the monkwort plant, also known as Chinese wolfberry.
This is the world’s first direct chemical evidence of the use of anesthesia in ancient surgical instruments.
The poison was turned into medicine.
Aconite is considered one of the most poisonous plants. Even a small dose can cause serious poisoning. However, Chinese doctors have managed to transform this poison into medicine for centuries.
Historical medical texts describe the complex preparation of the raw material: it was soaked in vinegar, black bean decoction, and even urine. This process reduced the toxicity of the substance and allowed it to be used as a local anesthetic.
Researchers believe the resulting solution was applied directly to the skin before the procedure. Then, a piece of tissue was held in place with tweezers, and the damaged layer was removed with scissors. Traces of the substance remained in the working areas of the instruments, confirming its medical use.
A surgery ahead of its time.
This discovery shows that Ming Dynasty physicians possessed far more advanced medical knowledge than previously thought. They not only performed surgeries with iron instruments, but also precisely calculated the dosage of hazardous substances while adhering to strict safety regulations.
Source: The Oldest Chemical Evidence of Anesthesia was Found in A Poisonous Plant in China
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