"In 1841, a quiet, curious boy who stuttered when nervous committed to becoming a surgeon--a profession then more feared than respected. Through study, persistence, and careful research, Joseph Lister proved that unsanitary conditions contribute to infections. Despite others scoffing at his ideas, Lister slowly changed the way all surgeons work, saving countless lives"--

Few people lived through an operation until Lister made his discoveries about infection, and convinced doctors that they must try to prevent it.

Uses primary sources to reconstruct the life and personality of the English doctor who pioneered antiseptic surgery and assesses his impact on Victorian medicine.

Twelve lectures (30 min. each) that discuss the history of the development of Western scientific medicine, set against character studies of twelve of the greatest physicians since classical times.