Krouphord Long American doctor who was the first to use ether in medical practice Date of Birth: 01.11.1815 Country: USA

1. Biography of Crawford Long
2. Early Life and Education
3. Discovery of Nitrous Oxide's Properties

Biography of Crawford Long

Crawford Long was an American physician and pharmacist, best known for being the first to use inhaled diethyl ether as an anesthetic. Although his work remained unknown outside a small circle of colleagues for several years, he is now recognized as the first physician to use ether anesthesia for surgical procedures.

Early Life and Education

Crawford Long was born in Danville, Georgia, USA in 1815. At the age of fourteen, he completed his studies at Franklin College in Athens. Interestingly, Long's graduating class became the most distinguished in the history of the college, with many of his classmates achieving fame in various fields. One became a governor, another a finance minister, two became senators, two became Confederate generals, and three, including Long himself, became prominent scientists.

Long obtained his medical degree from Transylvania University in Kentucky and later attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, the country's premier medical institution at the time. He then completed surgical training in New York before returning to Georgia in 1841 and establishing his practice in Jefferson. Despite the small population of the town at the time, Long's reputation as an excellent and dedicated physician quickly attracted a large number of patients. Rumors about him spread throughout the state.

Discovery of Nitrous Oxide's Properties

During the lively parties he hosted using ether, Long made an observation of colossal importance: under the influence of ether at these gatherings, fights often broke out, during which the participants were bound to experience pain. However, later on, none of them remembered any unpleasant sensations. One of Long's patients had been scheduled for surgery to remove two cysts on his neck multiple times, but each time the operation had to be canceled because the patient had a deep fear of pain. It was then that Long remembered the painless blows he had witnessed at the "ether parties." He invited the patient to another party, verified that ether had no adverse effects on him, and then convinced the patient to lie on the operating table. On March 30, 1842, Long soaked a towel with ether, had the patient inhale it, and when he lost consciousness, removed one of the cysts. The patient felt nothing. Upon waking up, he simply could not believe what had happened. To prove that the operation had indeed taken place, Long had to show the patient the removed cyst. After this, Long began administering ether to his other patients during surgery. Each operation was performed in the presence of numerous witnesses who confirmed the proceedings, which was of great significance for what ensued. In December 1845, Long used anesthesia for the first time in obstetrics. Thus, at the age of 26, he became the first physician in medical history to use anesthesia for surgical procedures, and at 29, the first to use it in obstetric practice. Long continued to practice surgery and anesthesia until the last day of his life. On June 16, 1848, he delivered a baby for the wife of a local congressman. Suddenly, he fell ill. His last words were, "Take care of the mother and child first." Dr. Long passed away on the same day from a massive cerebral hemorrhage.

Crawford Long was the first physician in medical history to use ether for anesthesia. However, he only made his astounding discovery public in 1849, seven years after the initial breakthrough.