Joseph Lister was born on March 5, 1827, in Upton, Essex, England, to a Quaker family. His father was a successful scientist, and his upbringing instilled in him a passion for science and discovery from an early age.
Lister studied at University College London and graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine in 1852. He then went on to work at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary as an assistant to renowned surgeon James Syme, who would later become his father-in-law.
It was during his time in Edinburgh that Lister began to research the causes of infection in surgical wounds. He was appalled by the high mortality rate from postoperative infections and was determined to find a solution.
Lister's groundbreaking research led him to conclude that these infections were caused by microorganisms. Drawing inspiration from Louis Pasteur's germ theory of disease, he began experimenting with various antiseptic agents.
Through his research, Lister discovered that carbolic acid was an effective disinfectant that could kill bacteria and prevent infection. He immediately implemented the use of carbolic acid during surgeries, leading to a drastic reduction in postoperative infections.
Lister married Agnes Syme, the daughter of his mentor, James Syme, in 1856. The couple had several children together and shared a deep love and respect for each other.
Lister continued to work in the field of medicine until his retirement in 1893. He passed away on February 10, 1912, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and influence the medical community to this day.