William Morton

William Morton was an American dentist and a pioneering figure in the history of anesthesia. In 1846, he demonstrated the use of ether as an anesthetic during surgery, significantly reducing patient pain and marking a major advancement in medical practice. This demonstration at Massachusetts General Hospital is often credited with ushering in the modern era of surgery, as it allowed for more extensive and less painful procedures. Morton's work laid the foundation for the development of anesthesia techniques that are essential in medicine today. His contributions are celebrated for transforming surgical practices and improving patient care.