What led to opposition against the use of anaesthetics like chloroform?

The opposition to anaesthetics like chloroform was significantly influenced by the belief among many doctors that experiencing pain was beneficial for healing. This perspective was rooted in historical medical practices and philosophical beliefs that suggested pain could serve a purpose in the body, possibly helping to strengthen the constitution or indicating that a process of healing was occurring.

Additionally, there was a concern that anaesthetics could mask symptoms that were important for diagnosis, making it more difficult for doctors to understand the true nature of a patient's condition. This led some medical practitioners to advocate for their use with caution, if at all, due to traditional beliefs about the body's response to surgery and illness.

In contrast, while the costs to patients, pressures from surgical suppliers, and public beliefs in traditional practices played roles during the era, they were not as pivotal in shaping the professional opposition to anaesthetics as the conviction that pain had a healing benefit. This entrenched view among medical professionals made the acceptance of anaesthetics a gradual process, often met with skepticism.