What was the primary reason nurses rather than doctors became the first anesthetists?

Answer 1

I think it was because in the initial phase, anesthesia was very simple. As they say, pouring some anesthetic agent over the face mask held covering the mouth and nose. Since then, anesthesia has seen many great stages of its development, hence doctors are needed to work as anesthetists. As it has become much safer, it has become complicated too. Hence superspecialities in anesthesia, like cardiac, neuro, pediatric etc. A good understanding of all medical subjects has become mandatory for being an anesthetist.