The UCSF Department of Anesthesia received a meaningful donation of anesthesia machines, tools, and medications from Merlin Larson, MD, a UCSF professor emeritus. Image Although the items resemble equipment found in modern operating rooms, they are no longer suitable for clinical use. Items in this collection highlight the the historical significance and evolution of modern anesthesiology. Some of the equipment is large, delicate, and even hazardous by today’s standards. For example, one early gas machine was later discovered to have been explosive, illustrating both the ingenuity and risks of earlier medical technology. The collection helps preserve the history of the field while offering insight into how anesthesiology has advanced over time. A selection of pieces from the collection are on display in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care offices at Parnassus Heights. Learn more about Dr. Merlin Larson Merlin Larson, MD Professor Emeritus
