dec 23, 1865 - Joseph Lister

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Joseph Lister discovered the use of carbolic acid in the prevention of infection in surgery after consorting with Thomas Anderson who introduced Lister to Pasteur's germ theory and the idea of carbolic acid.
In 1865 he soaked the bandages of a boy who had been run over by a cart and no infection followed. This was repeated 11 more times and there was no single case of infection.
In 1867 he published his book detailing his evidence for germ theory and outlining his use of carbolic acid for aseptic surgery (hands, equipment, theatre).
He withdrew from debate to conduct more research and carbolic acid was unpleasant and so his ideas were badly applied.

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