Abstract
Despite Cairns being established quite late in Queensland’s history—in 1876—it has a rich history. This is the first, and remarkably inclusive, attempt to gather together and record details of pioneer anaesthetists and anaesthesia in the far north from pre-1846 up to the present.
It is a compilation, as the author admits in the Foreword, rather than an academic textbook. It is organised into eras: for example, 1876–1900, 1939–1957, 1957–1962, 1962–1976, often with an introduction to each. There are facsimile press cuttings and photographs on most pages, lists and photographs of anaesthetists working in the area and photographs of relatively modern but now rarely used equipment. Such illustrations will be of use to medical historians and curators of medical museums. Both the outside and inside of hospitals are illustrated.
Anaesthetists and hospital staff feature strongly as do the changing techniques through the ages. The question, ‘Who gave the first general anaesthetic in Cairns?’ is discussed. It is a difficult question because almost anyone could administer chloroform or ether dropped onto a cloth; nevertheless an answer is offered.
Deaths under anaesthesia are recorded and discussed. The healthcare of the Aboriginal population is mentioned on several pages. One anaesthetist, Jack Barnes, researching the four-tentacled box jellyfish, allowed himself and his 9-year-old son to be stung and later hospitalised—as a consequence the species is called Carukia barnesi.
All press cuttings are referenced and there is a list of sources for many of the statements made in the text.
A Circuitous History is a comprehensive resource; essentially a fascinatingly diverse publication for anyone interested in far north Queensland. This book will stimulate future researchers of anaesthesia in remoter regions. A copy is available in the Australian Society of Anaesthetist’s Richard Bailey Library and the library of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.