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THE CASE FOR WILLIAM MORTON |
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number of persons, satisfied of Dr. Morton’s right to the title of
discoverer, and desirous of having all the arguments collected in an
orderly manner, have requested me to perform this duty. First. Dr. Jackson does not appear at any time to have made any discovery, in regard to ether, which was not in print in Great Britain some years before. Second. Dr. Morton, in 1846, discovered the facts before unknown, that ether would prevent the pain of surgical operations; and that it might be given in sufficient quantity to affect this purpose, without danger to life. He first established these facts by numerous operations on teeth, and afterwards induced the surgeons of the hospital to demonstrate its general applicability and importance in capital operations. Third. Dr. Jackson appears to have had the belief, that a power in ether to prevent pain in dental operations would be discovered. He advised various persons to attempt the discovery. But neither they nor he took any measures to that end; and the world remained in entire ignorance of both the power and safety of ether, until Dr. Morton made his experiments. Fourth. The whole agency of Dr. Jackson in the matter appears to consist only in his having made certain suggestions which led or aided Dr. Morton to make the discovery - a discovery which had been for some time the object of his labors and researches. |
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