N.I. Pirogov – surgeon, scientist, and teacher: a look from the 21st century (on the 210th anniversary of the great Russian doctor). Part 3

The final part of the scientific review of the life and creative activity of N.I. Pirogov presents information about his pioneering work in the field of “anesthesia on the battlefields and in hospitals”. Using the mask invented by himself, he performed many operations under ether anesthesia directly at the scene of hostilities and showed the advantages of analgesia, especially in significant in the conditions of a «traumatic epidemic», as N. I. Pirogov called the war. A brilliant surgeon opposed ascetic experience to the large-scale tragedy of the war. N. I. Pirogov’s works on military field surgery have become the heritage of mankind, the scientific basis of military medical education all over the world and are such a contribution to the history of medicine that should be evaluated on the scale of the development of civilization as a whole. In 1856, there was began a new stage of Pirogov’s creative activity, aimed at solving issues of public life, education and upbringing. He paid special attention to the issues of improving University education, designed both to provide a high level of scientific training of specialists and contribute to increasing the scientific and spiritual potential of the country. The distinguished surgeon ended his career on November 23, 1881. The memory of him and his brilliant work for the benefit of our country is carefully preserved.