Anaesthetic syringe, chrome plated, by the Amalgamated Dental Co., London, 1930-1950

In the 1880s, before it was made illegal, cocaine was a popular choice for local pain relief. Administered by injection to numb specific parts of the body, surgeons were able to operate on patients while they were awake.

Cocaine was replaced by non-addictive examples. Lidocaine, developed in 1946, is now one of the most used dental anaesthetics due to its fast-action and long-lasting nature.