MRC Committee on Non-Explosive Anaesthetic Agents

Papers of the Medical Research Council Committee on Non-Explosive Anaesthetic Agents (1954-1969). The papers include agendas, minutes, correspondence (indexed) and reports. The increasing presence of electrical apparatus in operating theatres and the related possibility of sparks occurring prompted the urgent need for a suitable non-explosive anaesthetic. "It is suggested that a systematic investigation of all the likely fluorinated hydrocarbons be carried out...." (MRC.54/891). "The interest of the Committee has therefore been to encourage the synthesis of new compounds which will not explode and which are suited for use as anaesthetics, and to examine substances synthesized by commercial firms for this purpose" ("'Fluothane,'" D/1/9). Paton was Chairman from 1960 until 1969, when the Committee was disbanded. Previous Chairmen were Dr F H K Green (1954-1955 ), and Professor J H Burn (1955-1959).

1954-1969, 1991

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