Who discovered chloroform and in what year?

The discovery of chloroform is attributed to James Simpson in the year 1847. Simpson was a Scottish obstetrician who conducted experiments with various anesthetics to find a safer option for surgical procedures. In 1847, after testing chloroform on himself and others, he recognized its effectiveness in producing anesthesia, leading to its wider acceptance in surgical practices. This marked a significant advancement in medicine as it allowed for painless surgeries, transforming patient care during the Victorian era.

The other options mention other dates and individuals who are significant in the history of medicine but are not related to the discovery of chloroform. Joseph Lister, for example, is known for his work on antiseptic surgery rather than the discovery of chloroform. Therefore, option B accurately identifies both the correct discoverer and the correct year.