Mayfair Gas Company

The Mayfair Gas Company was a partnership in anaesthetics founded by Sir Robert Macintosh in 1933 between himself, William Samuel McConnell, and Bernard Richard Millar Johnson. The practice was conducted from Macintosh's home at 9a Upper Brook Street, Mayfair. It acquired the nickname of the Gas, Fight and Choke Company, in reference to the main supplier of domestic gas for heating, cooking and lighting, the Gas, Light and Coke Company. The main work of the partnership included anaesthesia for general surgery given during the honorary hospital sessions, and dental anaesthesia. Each assistant working for the Mayfair Gas Company was expected to buy a car as it was usual for anaesthetists to bring their equipment with them. The car was maintained by the practice and a chauffeur was employed to help carry the equipment and also to help move patients. The practice moved to 47 Wimpole Street, but retained its original name. Macintosh left the partnership in 1937 and was succeeded by other partners. In 1947 the practice moved to Beaumont Street.