Re-enactment of first anaesthesia, 1850
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Re-enactment of first anaesthesia, 1850
Re-enactment of first anaesthesia. Group of surgeons and a patient re-enacting the first operation that was carried out under general anaesthesia. This had taken place on 16 October 1846, in the operating room of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA. This re-enactment took place in around 1850. The anaesthetic (ether) in 1846 was applied by US medical student William T. G. Morton. The surgeons that have been identified in this 1850 scene include John Mason Warren, John Collins Warren, George Hayward, James Johnson, and Solomon D. Townsend. This is a photograph of a daguerreotype by Southworth and Hawes
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9273749
© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1850 Anaesthesia Anaesthetic Anaesthetist Anesthesia Anesthetic Anesthetist Boston Demonstrating Doctor Doctors Early Ether General Anaesthesia North American Operating Operating Room Operating Theatre Operation Patient Pioneer Pioneering Reconstruction Surgeon Surgeons Surgery Surgical Daguerreotype James Johnson Re Enactment Southworth And Hawes
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in medical history - the re-enactment of the first operation performed under general anaesthesia. Taking place around 1850, this scene depicts a group of pioneering surgeons and a brave patient recreating the groundbreaking procedure that occurred on October 16,1846, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, USA. The man responsible for administering the anaesthetic (ether) during this historical event was William T. G. Morton, an American medical student. Amongst the distinguished surgeons featured in this photograph are John Mason Warren, John Collins Warren, George Hayward, James Johnson, and Solomon D. Townsend. Preserved through daguerreotype by Southworth and Hawes, this monochrome image transports us back to a time when surgical advancements were still in their infancy. The intense focus on the operating room setting highlights both the dedication of these early doctors and their commitment to pushing boundaries. As we observe this re-enactment unfold before our eyes, it serves as a reminder of how far medicine has progressed since then. This snapshot encapsulates not only an important milestone but also pays homage to those who fearlessly paved the way for modern surgical practices. With its rich historical context and meticulous attention to detail captured by Library of Congress' photography collection from Science Photo Library – we are granted access to witness firsthand one of medicine's most pivotal moments: where pain gave way to progress through pioneering anaesthesia techniques pioneered by William T. G Morton at Massachusetts General Hospital over 170 years ago.
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