World Anaesthesia Day !

Also known as ETHER DAY. Let’s Celebrate ETHER DAY !

Ether, Ether was discovered in 1275 by Spanish chemist Raymundus Lullius. This new discovery was given the name "sweet vitriol." Lullius (CH 3 CH 2 ) 2 O

In 1540, the synthesis of ether was described by German scientist Valerius Cordus.

Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus discovered the hypnotic effects of ether.

Later, in 1730, German scientist W.G. Frobenius changed the name of sweet vitriol to ether.

Scientists and physicians used ether for many different things, but not yet as an anesthetic agent. In 1794, English physicians Richard Pearson and Thomas Beddoes used ether in the treatment of phthisis, catarrhal fever, bladder calculus, and scurvy. These treatments were performed at the Beddoes' Pneumatic Institute. A little later In 1805, American physicians used ether to treat pulmonary inflammation. Pearson Beddoes

The first surgical anesthetic use of ether is credited to Dr. Crawford Williamson Long, MD, age 27, of Jefferson, Georgia. On March 30, 1842, he removed one of the two tumors from the neck of Mr. James Venable under ether anesthesia. Apparently, he had used ether for minor surgery as early as 1841, and had originally learned about ether during "ether frolics" while in medical school at the University of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately for Dr. Long, he did not publish the results until 1848.

Dr. Crawford Long,The first use of Ether.

Dr. W.T.G. Morton

William Thomas Green Morton

William Thomas Green Morton was born in 1819 in Massachusetts. From a young age he aspired to study medicine but unfortunately lacked the capital to do so and so chose the less expensive option of dentistry.William Thomas Green Morton was born in 1819 in Massachusetts. From a young age he aspired to study medicine but unfortunately lacked the capital to do so and so chose the less expensive option of dentistry.

He trained predominantly under the guidance of Horace Wells and together they started a dental practice. He began studies at Boston medical school under the guidance of prestigious surgeon Charles Jackson. Here he began investigations into the properties of Ether.

Dr. Morton, a dentist, pre-medical student began to receive information about the use of ether from Dr. Jackson. In 1846, after learning more about "ether frolics," Morton began secret experiments with ether. He experimented on himself and on small animals at his home. On September 30, 1846 at 9 p.m. in his Boston office, he painlessly removed a tooth from city merchant Eben H. Frost.Dr. Morton, a dentist, pre-medical student began to receive information about the use of ether from Dr. Jackson. In 1846, after learning more about "ether frolics," Morton began secret experiments with ether. He experimented on himself and on small animals at his home. On September 30, 1846 at 9 p.m. in his Boston office, he painlessly removed a tooth from city merchant Eben H. Frost.

Morton held a handkerchief over the patients’ mouth and dripped ether onto it.Morton held a handkerchief over the patients’ mouth and dripped ether onto it.

Boston Daily Evening Transcript, October 1st 1846

The first successful demonstration of ether anesthesia occurred at the Massachusetts General Hospital on October 16, 1846 at approximately 10:15 a.mThe first successful demonstration of ether anesthesia occurred at the Massachusetts General Hospital on October 16, 1846 at approximately 10:15 a.m

The Ether Dome, Boston, Massachusetts

To administer the ether, a glass reservoir was developed by Joseph M. Wightman and Nathan B. Chamberlain. Last minute changes to perfect the device were made by Morton.To administer the ether, a glass reservoir was developed by Joseph M. Wightman and Nathan B. Chamberlain. Last minute changes to perfect the device were made by Morton.

After administering the ether, Morton said to Dr. Warren, "Your patient is ready, sir." Under general anesthesia.After administering the ether, Morton said to Dr. Warren, "Your patient is ready, sir." Under general anesthesia.

Dr. Warren removed a congenital vascular malformation from 20 year-old Edward Gilbert Abbott's neck.Dr. Warren removed a congenital vascular malformation from 20 year-old Edward Gilbert Abbott's neck.

Interesting painting depicting the first demonstration of ether and the key individuals present.

After the surgery, the patient replied "I did not experience pain at any time, though I knew that the operation was proceeding."After the surgery, the patient replied "I did not experience pain at any time, though I knew that the operation was proceeding."

In 1847 Morton published the first article on the use of ether, titled "Remarks on the Proper Mode of Administering Sulphuric Ether by Inhalation."In 1847 Morton published the first article on the use of ether, titled "Remarks on the Proper Mode of Administering Sulphuric Ether by Inhalation."

ETHER MONUMENT Ether monument at Boston public garden at 1868.

He died in 1868 at the age of 49 years.He died in 1868 at the age of 49 years.

DR.W.T.G. Morton burial Site burial Site Boston public gardan

Bigelow kindly had inscribed on Morton’s headstone:Bigelow kindly had inscribed on Morton’s headstone: ‘Before whom, In all time, Surgery was Agony By whom, pain in surgery was averted Since whom, science has control over pain’

Dr. W.T.G. Morton house