Anaesthesia in philately

Abstract

Philately provides a useful medium for the study of the history of anaesthesia in the broadest of terms. Using five categories of topics, vignettes are presented. Recognising that many deserving names and items have yet to be commemorated philatelically, postal authorities are urged to address these deficits. Postage stamps pertaining to medicine have been issued for more than a century, and philately provides a useful medium for the study of medical history [A. Furukawa, Medical History through Postage Stamps. Ishiyaku EuroAmerica, Tokyo, 1994]. Focussing on anaesthesia, analgesia and intensive care, one can select relevant stamps, first-day covers, postmarks, cachets and postal stationery. A method of classification is essential if philately is to be an educational tool. For this presentation, the following categories have been chosen: plants, dentists and physicians in anaesthesia, chemists, physiologists and pharmacologists, and equipment.