Who was the first to use sterilization in surgeries and what method did he pioneer?

The correct answer is Joseph Lister; carbolic acid. Joseph Lister is renowned for being the first to apply the principles of antisepsis to surgery, significantly reducing the incidence of postoperative infections. He pioneered the use of carbolic acid (phenol) as a disinfectant, which he used for cleaning surgical instruments and treating wounds. This practice was based on the germ theory of disease, which was emerging at the time, and Lister's work marked a pivotal shift in surgical procedures, emphasizing the need for a sterile environment. His methods not only helped to save countless lives but also laid the foundation for modern surgical practices and the importance of hygiene in medical care.

In comparison, while Louis Pasteur did important work related to germ theory and heat sterilization, his contributions were more related to preventing spoilage in food and drink rather than direct surgical practices. Florence Nightingale's focus was primarily on nursing and hygiene practices in hospitals rather than on surgical sterilization techniques. Robert Koch is famous for his work in microbiology, particularly establishing methodologies to isolate pathogens, but he did not specifically pioneer sterilization methods in surgery. Thus, Lister's introduction of carbolic acid in surgical procedures is what distinguishes him as the key figure in this