title: Dr Horace Wells: the discoverer of general anesthesia.
abstract: The discovery of anesthesia in the second quarter of the 19th century was one of the greatest advances in the history of medicine. This discovery has been variously attributed to Long, Wells, Morton, Jackson, and others. In this article, the authors place in perspective the role each of these men has played. The conclusion is that to Wells belongs the singular honor and title of discoverer.
authors.affiliation: Historical Museum of Medicine and Dentistry, Hartford, CT.
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Menczer
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Jacobsohn
mesh_terms: D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000266:history; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000266:history*; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000266:history*; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D009511:New England