Lister biography

British scientist, surgeon and antiseptic pioneer (–)

"Lord Lister" redirects here. For other people, see Joseph Lister (disambiguation) and Lord Lister (disambiguation).

Joseph Lister, 1st Baron Lister, OM, PC, FRS, FRCSE, FRCPGlas, FRCS (5 April – 10 February ) was a British surgeon, medical scientist, experimental pathologist and pioneer of antiseptic surgery and preventive healthcare.

Joseph Lister revolutionised the craft of surgery in the same manner that John Hunter revolutionised the science of surgery.

From a technical viewpoint, Lister was not an exceptional surgeon, but his research into bacteriology and infection in wounds revolutionised surgery throughout the world.

Lister's contributions were four-fold.

Firstly, as a surgeon at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, he introduced carbolic acid (modern-day phenol) as a steriliser for surgical instruments, patients' skins, sutures, surgeons' hands, and wards, promoting