Edward Henry Embley

Edward Henry Embley (1861–1924) was an Australian physician known for his research on chloroform's effects on the human body. Born in Castlemaine, Victoria, he was the younger son of Richard Edward Embley, a baker, and Mary Smith. He attended Castlemaine Grammar School, Bendigo High School, and the University of Melbourne, where he earned an M.B., B.S. in 1889. Practicing medicine in Melbourne, he developed an interest in anaesthetics and obtained his M.D. in 1901 with a thesis on the subject.

Embley conducted extensive research into chloroform's effects, discovering that it was highly toxic to heart muscle, increased vagus nerve excitability, and caused respiratory failure due to reduced blood pressure. His findings were crucial for understanding safe anaesthesia practices. He continued his work until 1917 when he became an honorary anaesthetist at the Melbourne Hospital.

In 1920, ill health forced him into retirement, and he died in 1924 from cerebro-vascular disease. Embley left behind a widow and two daughters. His contributions were recognized posthumously with a memorial dinner by the International Anesthesia Research Society in 1929 and the David Syme Research Prize in 1906.