Science, Medicine & Engineering
Distinguished
Hua Tuo
c. 200 β 208
Han physician remembered as a pioneer of surgery and anaesthesia
Distinguished is level 3 of 4 in the China Hall of Fame: sustained excellence over a career, widely honoured at home. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
A physician of the late Han dynasty traditionally credited with using a herbal anaesthetic for surgery, and remembered as one of China's greatest doctors.
Historical accounts credit Hua Tuo with performing surgery under a general anaesthetic made from herbs and wine, and with developing a system of exercises based on the movements of animals.
His name has become a byword in Chinese for a skilled doctor.
His name has become a byword in Chinese for a skilled doctor.
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