The surgical tools of Xia Quan, a 15th-century surgeon from the Ming Dynasty, have revealed significant findings regarding ancient medical practices. Researchers analyzed the rust on these tools, originally unearthed in 1974 in Jiangyin County, Jiangsu Province, and found traces of aconitine, a compound from the Aconitum plant, suggesting it was used as a topical anesthetic. This discovery, published in the journal Antiquity, indicates that Ming Dynasty surgeons understood how to prepare and apply aconitine safely, balancing its toxicity with its pain-numbing properties. Historical records show that surgeons applied this anesthetic before performing procedures, and the residue found on Xia Quan's tools supports this practice. This analysis sheds light on the advanced medical knowledge of the time, revealing that ancient Chinese physicians were not only aware of the dangers of aconite but also capable of using it effectively in surgical contexts.