Anaesthetics are a class of drugs designed to temporarily induce a loss of sensation or awareness, allowing medical and surgical procedures to be performed without causing pain or distress to the patient. They can be broadly categorized into two main types: general and local anaesthetics. General anaesthetics produce a state of unconsciousness, ensuring the patient is entirely unaware of the procedure. In contrast, local anaesthetics numb a specific part of the body, allowing the patient to remain awake and alert. The discovery and development of anaesthetics have revolutionized the field of medicine, permitting surgeries and other interventions that would be otherwise too painful or traumatic to bear. Their use requires careful administration and monitoring, as both their effectiveness and safety are paramount in a medical setting.