Medical Pioneer, “Father of Antiseptics.” He graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from London University, and went on to training at the Royal College of Physicians. As surgeon in Glasgow Royal Infirmary, he was concerned with the number of deaths from surgeries. Many operations resulted in inflammation and gangrene. Studying the germ theory of Louis Pasteur, Lister began to speculate that the foul odors in the operating rooms and hospital in general, were the result of infected and decaying flesh. He read that the town of Carlisle in England used carbolic acid to substantially lessen the odor of its sewage before it was discharged into the Eden River. He theorized that the carbolic acid neutralized the odor by killing the bacteria. He began treating bandages, wounds, instruments, and operating rooms with a solution of carbolic acid. He used the same solution to require surgeons and assistants to wash their hands. He later began using the less harsh and less corrosive boracic acid. He worked with Charles Goodyear to create surgical gloves for nurses. His antiseptic techniques reduced deaths dramatically. (bio by: rjschatz)  Family links:  Spouse:  Agnes Syme Lister (1834 – 1893)* *Calculated relationship