Why did people oppose James simpsons?

People opposed James Simpson primarily due to his advocacy for the use of anesthesia in surgery, which challenged traditional medical practices. Many physicians and the public were skeptical of the safety and effectiveness of anesthetics, fearing that they could lead to complications or death. Additionally, some critics believed that the use of anesthesia might encourage more invasive surgical procedures, undermining the Hippocratic principle of "do no harm." This resistance reflected broader concerns about the rapid changes in medical practices during the 19th century.