Sir Joseph Lister

Sir Joseph Lister was a pioneering British surgeon in the 19th century who revolutionized medicine by promoting antiseptic techniques to prevent infection during surgery. Inspired by Louis Pasteur's discoveries about germs, Lister used carbolic acid (phenol) to clean wounds and surgical instruments, significantly reducing post-operative infections and death rates. His work laid the foundation for sterile surgical practices, transforming surgery into a much safer procedure. Lister is recognized as one of the founders of modern antiseptic medicine, greatly improving patient outcomes and shaping practices that are still fundamental in healthcare today.