James Young Simpson's Notice of a New Anaesthetic Agent : The first pamphlet on chloroform.

This article focuses on the historical significance and bibliographic details of James Young Simpson's pamphlet *Notice of a New Anaesthetic Agent*, which was the first published report on the use of chloroform as an anaesthetic. Although previously regarded as a proof copy, evidence including contemporary newspaper advertisements and correspondence shows that the pamphlet was officially published and sold in Edinburgh on 13 November 1847, two days before the revised version titled *Account of a New Anaesthetic Agent*. Four known copies of *Notice* exist, three inscribed by Simpson as "proof copy" and addressed to prominent obstetricians, indicating its dual role as both a proof and a first edition. The article also clarifies historical confusion about the date of the first surgical use of chloroform at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, establishing that operations occurred on 12 November 1847, not 15 November as often cited.