The development of anesthesia predates the FDA. Look at how Morton, Liston, and others were developing and using anesthesia for surgery without regulatory overs

The development of anesthesia predates the FDA. Look at how Morton, Liston, and others were developing and using anesthesia for surgery without regulatory oversight. Regulation came later. Antibiotics were developed and saw use without FDA oversight. I don't think Penicillin ever underwent the clinical trials that drugs do now. Only after issues surfaced, were they regulated more strictly.