Koller, Carl (1857-1944)

Austrian ophthalmologist who introduced local anaesthesia 1884, using cocaine. When psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud discovered the painkilling properties of cocaine, Koller recognized its potential as a local anaesthetic. He carried out early experiments on animals and on himself, and the technique quickly became standard in ophthalmology, dentistry, and other areas in cases where general anaesthesia exposes the patient to needless risk.