In The Ether Dome

The scene above reenacts one of the most important moments in medical history. On October 16, 1846 William T.G. Morton demonstrated the first public surgery using anesthetic (ether) in Massachusetts General Hospital’s surgical amphitheater, now known as the Ether Dome. The designated guinea pig was Edward Gilbert Abbott who had a tumour on his neck. During the operation, Morton administered the ether, after which Dr John Collins Warren removed the tumour. The operation was a success, although it seems Abbott’s tumour changed very little in size.

The Ether Dome is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

More: The Public Domain Review