wood library-museum of anesthesiology

The Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology first opened its doors in 1963 in Park Ridge, IL displaying the collection of the New York anesthesiologist, Paul M. Wood. In 2014 the Museum moved to Schaumburg, IL within the newly constructed American Society of Anesthesiologists headquarters. The professionally designed exhibits include a ninety foot timeline, "From Darkness to Light" detailing the evolution of anesthesiology from the earliest civilizations to the present. Featured on the timeline are the Americans who first conceived of using ether as an anesthetic in the mid-1800s. The wall opposite the timeline features the Wood Library rare book collection with its emphasis on early pharmacology, mesmerism, and acupuncture.The display cases are interesting and visually attractive. They show early ether and chloroform vaporizers and other artifacts that demonstrate the breadth of anesthesiology as a medical specialty.While not large, this museum is one of the finest anesthesiology museums in the world. Well worth a visit!