10 ANESTHETIC AGENTS. •['in: RESPECTFUL NOTICE, PROTEST AND % MEMORIAL OK W. T. G. MORTON, M. D., DISCOVEROR AND PATENTEE OF ETHERIZATION, ADDRESSED TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT, THK HONOK ABLE SECRETARIES OF THE TREASURY, WAR, NAVY, .AND INTERIOR, TOUCHING THE USE OF HIS DISCOVERY IN THE PUM4C SKftVtCK IV VIOLATION OF HIS VESTED RIGHTS UNDER THE LETTERS* l'ATKNT 01 THK UNITED STATES. WASHINGTON: •*- GEO. S. GIDEON, PRINTER. 1 N 5 A . V "' X* M: ■i.. r«r.rr. i '*» ,4-' ANESTHETIC AGENTS THE EESPECjFUL NOTICE, PROTEST AND S MEMORIAL OP . v;'jc W. T. G. MORTON, M. D., v DISCOVEROR AND PATENTEE OF ETHERIZATION, •':'"■ ^< ■ . ADDRESSED TO .r HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT, THE HONOr\ ABLE SECRETARIES &P THE TREASURY,, ' WAR, NAVY, AND INTERIOR, TOUCHING THE USE OF HIS DISCOVERY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN VIOLATION OF HIS VESTED RIGHTS UNDER THE LETTERS PATENT OF * ••>. TttEi.UNITED STATES. ''•/'■ " " ^ . ... ' \ "' v. ..... [ WASHINGTON: GEO. S. GIDEON, PRINTER. 1854. n ^ V/C.A . /WW •V ' To His Excellency The President op the United States, and The Honorable The Secretary of War, * The Secretary of the Navy, and * The Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. The undersigned, Wm. T. G. Morton, M. D., respectfully repre- sents and makes known—That he, the undersigned, is the original and first discoverer of Practical Anaesthesia, and that he holds the letters patent of the United States for said discovery and for certain means of applying the sauie; which said letters patent bear date the twelfth day of November, in the year 1846, and do grant to the undersigned and his assigns, for/'the term of fourteen years from the date thereof, the exclusive right and liberty of using, and vending to others to be used, the said discovery of Practical Anaesihesia; to which said letters patent of record in the U. S. Patent Office^he respectfully refers. The undersigned, from motives which must be apparent from the nature of the subject, and re'ying upon the justice and magnanimity, first, of his own government, and then of all other civilized governments, has not hitherto exercised his legal rights by suits at law for damages, or injunctions to prevent the use of a discovery which has happily proved so beneficent to humanity. Nor would he now take any step by way of departure from his previous course, but that his forbearance is sought to be turned to his disadvantage, and objection is made to granting compensation by an at of Congress, on the ground that he ought to enforce his right under his patent against the officers of the United States using his discovery in the Military, Naval and Marine service, and against all persons violating the same. These considerations have determined the undersigned to adopt this course. He therefore with great reluctance respectfully' asks, that the encouragement given to private individuals to violate his patent, through the non-observance thereof by the government itself, may be no longer continued, and that the honorable Secretaries will either purchase the right to use said discovery in the respective branches of the public ser- vice, or that they will immedTaXely issue the necessary ofders to the medical officers and others under their official control to desist from further infringing his patent right in the premises. WM. T. G. MORTON, M. D. Washington, June 15, 1854. The undersigned members of the Senate and House of Representa- tives concur in recommending that the right to use Dr. Morton's dis- covery, commonly cal'ed "Practical Anaesthesia," be purchased for the public service, or that the use thereof be discontinued, because the government is manifestly bound by its own patent duly issued to respect 4 the said discovery as private property, ought not to be iC taken for public use James C Jones, Ben. Fitzpatrick, S. AdaTns, Jas. Shields, J. D. Bright, J. P. Walker, J. B. Thompson, Chas. T. James, it. Hamlin, Charles Sumner, Julius Rockwell, James Cooper, W. M. Gwin, C. C. Clay, jr., J. M. Clayton, fJohn B. Weller, M. S.Latham. W. R. Sapp, HendrickB. Wright, Jacob Shower, T. R. Westbrook, R. H. Stanton, Alex. De Witt, Sam'l P. Benson, C.M.Straub, Sam'l Mayall, John B. Macy, E. W. Farley, Wm. Cullom, John Wheeler, Wm. Barksdale, Williaqi S. Barry, James L. Orr, Em. Etheridge, Fred. P. Stanton, H. H. Johnson, W.R.Smith, H. L. Stevens, Thomas B. Florence, and because^jortWe property1 without jusT^coptpensation.' '* J. W. Willi'arW, Philip Allen,,\ v A. G. Brown, W. K. J3ebastjan, Samuel HoiMon, R. W. JohnsonV Arch. Dixon, Geo. W. Jones,.' .■■'"• Jno. Bell, ''£•■■■.•" J. P. Bejami6|:-- Henrv Dodge/. , A. C! Dodge, ;^^:r B. P. Wade',■•.;.'';'.' S. P. Chase, * tS. R. Mallory/vJ:t ' f William H. Setofy-d. .IV t.'.v" James Knox, E. B. Washburne, P.H.Bell, J. A. McDougall, W. II. Wide, C. B. Curtis, Bernhart Henn, Geo. Vail, Asa Packer, D. Stuart, James Abercrombie, D. B. Wright, F. K. Zollicoffer, Daniel Mace, Gerrit Smith, A. Oliver, Charles W. Upham, Thomas D. Eliot, A. C. M. Pennington, Ner Middleswarth, I. Washburn, jr., Thomas Davis, J. Z. Goodrich, 'Constitution United States, Amendment, article V. t Mr. Mallory, Mr. Seward, and Mr. Weller sign under the following qualification: I respectfully suggest that the patentee of the anaesthetic agent, known as Dr. Morton's itiscovery, should receive from the United States a liberal compensation for their past and future use of it, Peter Rowe,, r • - W.S.Ashe,^ , " ' ->• Wm. M\ Tweed, .:•' W. A- Richardson, James S. Ch'risman, Willis Allen, J. P. Cook.' ; •• J. O: tf%ton/ P. S.Blooks, Charles ^fughes, A. B.GfeeHwbod, C. S.HiU, John VV^ntworth, John G; Breckinridge, J. R; G?d clings, • Sam'l H.'Walley, Ed: mde', W* ^-Boyce, - . J/O": Alien, L. M. Keilt, G. Dean, U. A. Reese, \' M. H. Nichols/ ' John Kerr, Sam'l Caruthers, N. P. Banks, jr., Jared C. Peck, John Robbins, jr., B.B. Thurston, M. Oliver, Thos. M.Howe, Ben C. Eastman, R. C. Puryear, Sion H. Rogers, R. M. Bwgg, W.P.Harris, Edward Dickinson, N. G. Taylor, Richard Yates, Henry Bennett, * Roland Jones, James J. Lindsley, J. S. Harrison, John G. Miller, John M. Elliot, William Preston, Wm. M. Church well, J. Wiley Edmandl, Samuel C. Crocker, B. W. Peckham, Wm. Everhart, Thomas Richey, Joseph R. Chandler, Alvah Sabin, A. E. Maxwell, J. F. Dowdell, T. S. Russell, Bishop Perkins, J. Glancy Jones, G. R. Riddle, H. M. Shaw, T. J. D. Fuller, Lewis D. Campbell, Daniel Wells, jr., A. W. Lamb, J. L. Taylor, George Hastings, O. R. Singleton, Thos. W. Gumming. L. M. Cox, P. Phillips, A. Harlan. 6 Note.—The subjoined papers are added for the purpose of exhibit- ing some of the evidences in the possession of the palenlef, (of which he is prepared to exhibit many others,) that the subject Iiae undergone a far more thorough investigation than usually attends*the assertion of a patent right. They are presented to notice from an honest and ex- cusable pri^e, although, for the purpose of securing his rights, they are superfluous, since it is enough, in a question between.the grantor and grantee, that the patent has been granted. These papers, however, are esteemed valuable, since they show, 1st, the opinion of eminent counsel as to the validity of the patent; 2d. The proof:of the use of the patent, without compensation, in the Army, Navy, and Marine hospitals, and the great value attached to it by the medical staffiof the Army and Navy; 3d. The opinions of the medical profession gjSherally, at home and abroad; and finally, the conclusions of the Massachusetts General hospital, and of committees of both Houses of Congress,.after thorough examination of the whole subject. When it is observed^ in connection with this, that the memorial to the Executive is endorsed by a majority of each House of Congress, it is supposed that no doubt can remain upon the subject. Extract from Report of Select Committee House of Representatives, 1852, stating conclusions in which seven committees of the two Houses of Congress, respectively, have concurred. Dr. Morton has, within a few days, received the expression of the Academy in the more acceptable form of their largest gold medal. The prize awarded to him, as above stated, be(ng of an amount not absorbed by the medal, has been appropriately used in enclosing it jn a suitable golden frame. On the one side of the medal, in addition to the name of the institute, is a medallion head of the Goddess of Liberty. On the reverse, surrounded by a wreath of laurel, is engraved__ "Academie des Sciences. Prix Montyon—Medicine et Chirurgie__ Concours de 1847 et 1848. Win. T. G-. Morton, 185U." Upon a full examination of the whole case, so far as time and means were afforded to your committee, they have come to the conclusion__ 1st. That Dr. Horace Wells did not make any discovery of the anaesthetic properties of the vapor of sulphuric ether, which he himself considered reliable, and which he thought proper to give to the world. That his experiments were confined to nitrous oxide, but did not show it to be an efficient and reliable anaesthetic agent, proper to be used in surgical operations and in obstetrical cases. For the rest your Committee have come to the same conclusions that 7 were arrived at bv the Trustees of the Massachusetts General Hospital at their meeting in January, 1848, and reconsidered and confirmed in 1849, and adopted by the former Committee of the House, viz: 2nd. That 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. 3d. That 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 effect this purpose, without danger to life) He first established these facts by numerous opera- tions on teeth, and afterwards induced the surgeons of the hospital to demonstrate its' general applicability and importance in capital ope- rations. :- t 4.th. That Dr. Jackson appears to have had the belief that a power in ether to prevent pain in dental operations would be discovered. He advised variousperso?is to attempt the discovery; but neither they nor he took dnw measures to that end; and the world remained in entire ignorance^ both the power and safety of ether, until Dr. Morton made hi* experiments. 5th. That the whole agency of Dr. Jackson in the matter appears to consist only in his having made certain suggestions, which aided Dr. Morton to make the discovery—a discovery which had for some time been the object of his labors and researches. (Copy.) Washington, January 5, 1847. Dr. W. T. G. Morton, Boston, Mass. Dear Sir : Yours of the 26th ultimo was received in due course of mail, and in answer I have to say, that at the time your application for preventing pain in surgical operations was under consideration in the Patent Office, Mr. Eddy consulted me on the novelty and patent- ability of your discovery. I then examined the subject carefully, and gave it as my decided and candid opinion that it was novel and the legitimate object of a patent; and this opinion has only been strength- ened by further reflection. Under the law, any new and useful art is made the subject of a patent. This covers any discovery in modes of procedure having a useful object in view, and susceptible of being so defined as to instruct others to apply or make Use of the mode of procedure. There can be no question that your discovery comes under this provision of law. It is a new mode of procedure, definite in its character, and which may be taught to others, and which, therefore, comes under the denomina- tion of an art as defined by the ablest judges in Europe and in this country. Before your discovery many attempts had been made to render per- 8 sons insensible to pain preparatory to surgical operation's, by introducing in the stomach "intoxicating substances; but this mode flif procedure was unsuccessful. You then discovered, that by introducing into the lungs the vapors of certain substances, a different effect was produced from that of intoxication produced by the introduction of sdbstances in the stomach, and that this effect was such as to render the patient insensi- ble to pain; hence the use of this discovery, in corinectior^wilh surgi- cal operations, is an improvement in the art of surgery.' j A discovery in the abstract is not the subject of letters patent, as the discovery of the elastic force of steam; of the pressor*! 'of the atmo- s sphere; of the expansion of metals under the influenoe'of caloric, < > Boston, May 17, 1854. Having lonsf^nce carefully considered this question, I do not hesi- tate to concur in the opinion expressed by Mr. Webster. GEO. T. CURTIS. ... f f Vtt . • .. ■ ________ /'.i''' V Bostov, May I2lh, 1854. Thje.^4i?covery of the anaesthetic properties of the vapor of ether, and the practical application thereof for the production of insensibility to pain during the performance of surgical operations upon the human body, as described in the letters patent of the United States to Dr. Wm. T. G. Morton, are, in my opinion, the proper subject matter of a patent. WILLIAM WHITING. Boston, May 17, 1854. I concur entire in the opinion expressed by Mr. Webster, Mr. Curtis, and Mr. Whiting, and in the conclusions of the argument in Messrs. Keller & Greenough. R. CHOATE. "Surgeon General's Office, March 1, 1852. " Sir: In compliance with your verbal request to be furnished with information in regard to the employment of anaesthetic agents in the army of the United States, and also for an expression of opinion as to the value and importance of this class of remedial agents, I have to state: "That sulphuric either and chloroform were used to some extent in the military hospitals established at the theatre of war in Mexico, but the use. pf those articles was not so general as at present, for the reason that the-apparatus at that time believed to be essential to their proper and safe administration was not adapted to service in the field. 11 At the present moment it is believed that no surgical operation of importance is performed by the medical officers of the army without the aid of some anaesthetic agent. "Previous to the discovery of this new application of sulphuric ether, the annual supply of that medicine was one pound for every hundred 2 • 10 men. On the revision of the standard supply table, by a board of medi- cal officers, in 1849, the pure washed sulphuric ether was substituted for the ordinary sulphuric ether, and the quantity allowed was increased one hundred per cent. At (he same time another attaisi^etic ngent, the tincture of chloroform, commonly called chloric ether, « or 37 Per ccnt- Amputation of the leg : Primitive, 1 : 3.08, or 32 per cent. ) . „ „_ nn Secondary, 1 : 5.87, or 17 per cent. \ X : 3,39» or 22 Per cent- Amputation of the arm : Primitive, 1 : 4.53, or 22 per cent. ) . , __ Secondary, 1 : 4.20, or 23 per cent. \ 1 : 4 •"'» or 22 Per cent- The introduction of anaesthetic agents has modified these resirlfsV in fact, among 312 amputations, which M. Simpson has collected,* ther* 17 were only 71 deaths,v(l:4.53, or 22 per cent.;) and each amputation gave, viz: Amputation of the thigh: ' • 'Primitive, 1:2," or 50 per cent. } , „ n~ __ ; Secondary, 1:4.84, or 30 per cent. } ' : 3,92» 9r 25 Per cent- Amputation of the leg* Primitive, 1:3 55, or 28 per cent. ) . , ._ ,„ Secondary, 1: 6 23, or 16 per cent. \ l : 5 ,3» or 19 Per cent" Amputation of the arm: Primitive, 1: 4 25, or 23 per cent.) , „ rr M Secondary, 1 :3.37, or 29 per cent 1 ' : 36G> or 27 Per cent- Thus, the introduction of anaesthetic agents in surgery has not changed the principal conditions of the operations, since the amputa- tions of the thigh remain more serious than those of the arm, and the primitive amputations are always more dangerous than the secondary. But there are two general results important to noiice: First, that the cipher of mortality has been materially diminished for all amputation in general, and for each amputation in particular;, and then, that the difference which existed between the primitive and secondary amputa- tions, before the discovery of etherization, has been considerably re- duced by the employment of anaesthetic inhalations. These results are certainly very remarkable, and very important for surgical therapeutics, and acquire more importance when we compare them with the results obtained a few years ago from particular amputa- tions, especially those of the thigh. In the Parisian hospitals 02 per cent, of amputation of the thigh were lost; in the hospitals of Edin- burgh 42 per cent.; in the Glasgow hospital 36 per cent. Thanks to etherization, this has been reduced to 25 per cent., a gain of at least eleven patients saved by this new discovery; a result which no longer leaves any doubt upon this point, that the'anaesthetic agents, while they relieve the patients from pain, at the same time diminish the chances of disease and death. Extract from Report Select Committee House Reps., 1852.. Great Britain, France, and all other enlightened nations, have, from time immemorial, rewarded munificently such services to humanity. The British Parliament, by two successive statuies, bestowed upon Jen- ner the sums of ten thousand and twenty thousand pounds for the dis- covery of vaccination. The world has as yet produced but one great improvement in the healing art deserving to be ranked with that of Jenner. America, by annihilating pain, has done as much for the benefit of the race, as England did when she furnished the instrument by which the smallpox may be finally exterminated.* It would be [ * Extracts from the British and Foreign Medico-Chirurgiad Review, for April, 1852.] Applications of Anmslhexia to Surgery, Midwifery, and Dentish-y—Of the desirableness of the. subjugation or annihilation of pain in surgical operations, considered in itself, we can- Dot, on the whole, for a moment doubt; to di.sarm the operating table of a great portion of ,ts terrors, is indeed a triumph of which our age may be justly proud. Not only is the actual pain of an operation thus removed, but also, in great part, that indescribable horror 3 IS imworthy our greatness, and our destiny, as the nation soon to be the most powerful on the globe, io undervalue a benefaction to mankind which is the peculiar glory of science, of our age, and of our country. which often torments the patient for some time previously. Men of the-greatest courage i,. other respects, and who have fared danger and death in'mnnjr forms, have yet shrank from the prospect of the slow and cold-blooded torure they had before them from the knife of the surgeon. Indeed, however m*n m ty summon his fortitude to meet physical pain, or any other dire misfortune, we must all bow to the laws of humanity, and feel the severi- ty of fate, in si he of the efforts of our moral nature to rise above it. But when we find that this great relief which anaesthetic agents afford is to be obtained almost without risk, and on the whole with very beneficial resu'ts otherwise, we should receive this great dis- covery wi h gratitude and exultation. So complete is the general use of anaesthetic agents, that the element of pain as an obstacle or source of danger or the nervous system seems to favor the healin°- of wounds, and altogether increases the ehances of recovery. The shivering and re-active fever which often follow operations are greatly diminished by etherization f there is gene- rally more sleep, and more complete feeling of comfort. * » • s It is not necessary to point out the occasional benefit which may be derived from thp tures. to -.scovery. * * * Anaesthesia is now used in private and in public practice, as regularly in lithotomy as in other operations. * * * ' ' Henceforth even the cockpit of a man-of-war, and the hospital after a field of battle, will be disaimed of half their terrors- * * * J ' The argument in favor of the employment of anmlhesia [in midwifery] may be summed 11 is not necessary to point out the occasional benefit which may be derived from 1 use of anaesthesia in the taxis, in the reduction of diblocuions, and setting of fractur In all ihis class of surgical operations, cases must be continually occurring provin° the surgeon the immense results which he may reap from the new discovery * * • & 1st. The removal of the pain is beneficial to the mother by preventing the nervous ex- ilement and shock wh.ch phystcal pain is apt to excite, and the nervous!nd inflammatory reaction which, in some constructions, is apt to result. ""wmmaiory 2d. It renders many operations, requisite in complicated labors, easier of performance and more beneficial to the patient. ' ""*"'" Vl penormance, / 19 .. ' Treasury Department, June 25, 1852. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yaur letter of the 17th instant, covering copies of a communication from the Hon. W. H. Bissell, of a letter from the Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery of the Navy, and of a letter from the Surgeon General of the Army, with certain printed matter, all relating to the memorial of Dr. Wm. T. G. Morton, asking remuneration from Congress for the discov- ery of the anaesthetic properties of sulphuric ether. An attentive examination of these several documents has satisfied me that sulphuric ether and tincture of chloroform are very generally used in the Army and Navy of the United States,* as ancesthetic agents, 3d. Statistics prove the practice of anaesthesia to be beneficial to the mothers, and no" wise dangerous to the children. * * * Dr. Simpson, in 1848, communicated the results obtained in 1,519 cases, and in our opin- ion established the utility of anassihisia {in midwifery] upon incontestable grounds. * * * Therapeutical Applications of Anm\lhtsi*—It is now evident tnat the use of anaesthetic agents is capable of an extension beyond the bounds of merely operative medicine. It has been transported into medicine itself; and perhaps this circumstance may attract the atten- tion of the profession to the advantages which nray accrue from the use of other remedies in the form of inhalations. When we consider the great extent of the pulmonary mucous membrane, and the facility with which vapors may be introduced through the respiration into the blood, it seems extraordinary that this mode of administering medicines has not been more exactly studied. * * * Piiin exists in a vast number of diseases, where even opium is insufficient to afford relief; in such cases a field is opened to the use of-anaesthetic agents. * * * In several cases of intense facial neuralgia, benefit has been obtained from the inhala- tion of chloroform, when aH other remedies have failed. In pains of the bowels, gastntlgia, and in nervous colics, simitar tesuJis have followed. Many observers have pointed out the benefit derived from doses of chloroform in the liquid form, in relieving the pain at the ■early stages of cholera. * * * In tetanus many favorable cases hive been reported. * * * In mental alienation anaesthesia has been a good deal used. * * * Anaesthetic agents have been applied locally in the way of frictions in nervous and tfieumatic pains, rn painful opth dmia, and in orchitis. Under the hands of some it haa been found exceedingly successful in relieving pain, and subduing inflammation, and in the dressing officers. It is very plain to us that we are only at the beginning of the medicinal use of these agents. Applications to Legal Medicine.—Simulated dumbness, deafness, and stammering, can be detected. * Extract from a report of the Surgeon General to the Secretary of War. "During the three years immediately preceding, and the three years of peace subsequent to the Mexican war, the average annual number of woundsand injuries treated in the army .has been 2,592 " * * * "These agents (ether and chloroform) may be useful in all the amputations, in many of the fractures not requiring amputation, in a number of luxations, gun-shot wounds, and other injuries requiring an operation; also in a number of diseases, such as strangulated hernia, calculus, haemorrhoids, fistulas, tumors, &c, requiring the knife, including cases of deiirium tremens, and occasionally a case of parturition." Dr. Richard H. ("oolidge, of the Surgeon General's office, says: "1 have examined the reports of sick and wounded from the army during the recent war with Mexico. I find that the number of gun-shot wounds reported amounts to 3,949, and that of all other wounds and injuries, to 5,932, making a total of 9,861; which number probably falls far short of what actually occurred." Extract of report of Bureau of Medicine and Surgery to the Secretary oj War. "The number of wounds and injuries of all kinds requiring medical treatment in tha naval service, during the year !650, was 1,379." Neither of the above reports includes wounds and injuries treated in the fifteen U. S. Marine Hospitals. 20 and the decided testimony borne to the merits of these etherial prepara- tions by the Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery of> the Navy, and tite Surgeon General of the Army, leaves no doubt upon my mind as to their great value in medical uhd surgical practice; In addition to the evidence thus afforded in their favor, 1 may mention the fact that these agents now form a part of the regular medical sup- ply to the marine hospitals of the United States, and that they are employed therein with very general success. Regarding the discovery of the anaesthetic properties of sulphuric ether as, in the language of Surgeon General Lawson, "one of the most im- portant and valuable contributions to medical science, and to the relief of suffering humanity, ever made," I concur entirety with Col. liis- sell and yourself, as to the propriety and justice of liberally compensat- ing the patentee, who has not at any time received' pecuniary advan- tage* from his discovery, and who now appeals to the legislature of his country, on condition of the surrender of his patent for the benefit of mankind, for proper remuneration in lieu of the gains that he would have derived had he been protected in the use of the rights conferred upon him by letters patent of the Government. I therefore'recommend that such reasonable and liberal sum as the committee of which you are chairman may, in their discretion, determine upon, be reported as a national compensation to Dr. Morton, and that the same be attached, * Boston, April 20, 1852. Dr. W. T. G. Morton—Dear Sir: As by the terms of the agreement made between yourself and me, on the 30th day of October, 1846, I am required as often as once in six months to render you an account of the net profits resulting from sales of certain patents, etc., as will appear by reference io said agreement, I have now to inform you, and do in- form you, that up to this date, April 2d, 1847, I have received no net profits on account of any, and therefore can render you no further account than this, or pay to you any moneys resulting from any net profits received. Yours, respectfully, R. H. EDDY. [Extract from a letter written by Caleb Eddy, esq., of Boston, to Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, Speaker of the House of Representatives 30/A Con- gress.] "To my knowledge he has spent large sums of money, and I think deserves some con- sideration in return." [Extracts from letters written in 1848, to the Trustees of the Massachu- setts General Hospital, by B. F. Brooks, an eminent lawyer, and Mr. Joseph Burnett, merchant, both of Boston.] «'I hjew gone somewhat into detail, that you may see the nature of Dr. Morton's em- barrassments. They have grown out of his efforts in a cause which has resulted in a great public good, and he deserves a better fate than to be left to sink under them. "Yours, truly, BENJAMIN P. BROOKS." "And am satisfied that he has been a loser of several thousand dollars, directly or in- directly, in consequence of his labors devoted to this object. "JOSEPH BURNETT." 21 as proposed by Coi. Bissell, to the " naval appropriation bill" for the ensuing fiscal year. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedienfr servant, THCv CORWIN, Secretary of the Treasury. Hon. Frederick P .'Stanton, Chairman, tyc War Department, Washington, June 21, 1852. Sir: I have received your letter of the 7th instant, enclosing sundry documents relating to the memorial of Dr. William T. G. Morton, who seeks remuneration from the Government for the discovery of the anaes- thetic properties of sulphuric ether. In reply I beg leave to state that I have no information on the subject of this discovery other than that which I have derived from public rumor and from the documents you enclose, it being exclusively aprofessional question. AU the information which this department could furnish the committee is contained in the letter from the Surgeon General, which is among the papers you enclose. Judging from this information, there can be but little doubt, that this discovery is one of the most valuable contributions that science has ever made to,the cause of humanity. 1 do not know what the practice of the Government has been in re- gard to rewarding individuals for inventions or discoveries made by them,* or, at least, compensating them for the use of them in the pub- *List of some of the Patents purchased by the departments, not including some twenty, amounting to over $400,000, purchased by acts of Congress. Thomas Blanchard.—For the use of several machines for turning or cutting irregular forms, constituting in the whole what is generally known as the Gun-stock Turning Ma- chine, with the several improvements for the use of and in connection with this invention, there has been paid to Mr. Bianchard by this Department, for the privilege of using the same, #18,921 50- J. H. Hall—For the right to make and use patent breech loading rifle and carbine, and all the machinery for making the same, there has been paid to Mr. Hall and his heira the sum of #37,553 32. Dr. E. Muynard, March 20, 1845.—For the right to make and use his improved lock and percussion priming for small arms, and to apply the same to 4,000 muskets, there has been paid to Dr. Maynard $4,000. The right to use the invention and apply the, same to a greater number of arms at a re- duced scale of prices has been secured, and may be used if desirable, as follows, viz: For 10,000 muskets, $7,500 ; for 20,000 muskets, #10,000; for 100,000 muskets, $25,000 ; any greater number at a price to be agreed upon, not exceeding 25 cents for each musket, since purchased by the War Department for $50,000. J. B. Hyde, Dec, 1846—For the right to make and use Hales's patented war rocket to an unlimited extent for the military service, $10,000. S. Mmoer &f W. H. Scoville, attorneys of P. W. Gates, Sept 5, 1848.—For the right to make and use in all establishments of the ordnance department Gates's patent dies for cutting screws, $750. Loug's Bridge Patent.—For the Bridge Patent privilege there has been paid $850 00. Mitchell's Screw Pile.—For Sand Key Lighthouse, $1,700 00. Mitchell's Screw Pile.—For Brandy wine Lighthouse and Ice-breaker, $2,400 00. Boetlcher's Fuze. Stevens's Shell. List of Patents purchased and used in the Navy of the United States. Stevens's "Cut-off."—For right to use two on Mississippi or other steamer during con- tinuance of patent, $2,500; for right to use on Saranac, $2,700—total, $5,200. 22 lie service, but I do not hesitate to say, that jgjt has been the practice of Congress to grant such rewards or comoe'rjsaUon, Dr. Mortons claim is fairly entitled to the most liberarconfMeration. Very respectfully, your obedient sef'ya,'nt, • . y V ' 3 p./MVCOXRAD, Secretary of War. Hon. Frkderick P. Stanton, Chairman Committee on Naval Affairs, {louse of Reps. Navy Department, Bureau of Medicine-ant> Surgery, June 29, 1852. Sir : I have had the honor to receive your letter of yesterday's date, in relation to the memorial of Dr. W. T. G. Morton, asking of Con- gress remuneration for the discovery of the anesthetic properties of sulphuric ether, and calling upon me for a statement as to the basis on which the claim is founded, with an estimate of the amount to which, SicktllSf Cook's "Cut-off"'''—For right to use on Michigan, $3,000; on Water Witch, $750; on General Taylor, $500: on Powhatan, $6,681 25; on San Jacinto, #4,418; on Fulton, $1,780 98; on Princeton, $2,700; on Alleghany, $3,927—total, $23,757 23. George W. Taylor's "Marine Camels"—For one set for fiist-class sloop-of-war, with right to use said camels during continuance of patent, $27,500—total, $27,500 West &f Thompson's "Clasp Coupling."—For right to use on Susquehanna, Saranac, San Jacinto, and Powhatan, $1 25 per inch diameter of attached vessel. H-ort/itngton 8f Bakir's 'Steam Pump."—For one for San Jacinto, $500 ; two for Pow- hatan at $500, $1,000; two for Princeton at $600, $1,200; two for Alleghany at $600, $1,200; one for Water Witch, $400; one for Vixen, $400; one for Fulton, $500; two for Mississippi, $1,100; two for Suranac, $1,000; two for Susquehanna, $1,000; article manufactured and patent included in each case. Total, $8,300. Worihinglon &{ Baker's 'Percussion Water Gauge."—Fur three for Princeton at $80, $240; three for Alleghany at $80, $240; four for Powhatan at $60, $240; four for Mis- sissippi at $60, $240 j one for Water Witch, $60; one for Vixen, $60; two for Fulton at $60, $120; three for Saranac at $60, $180 ; article manufactured and patent included in each case. Total, $1,380. Copelund's "Self acting Blow."—For right to use and make for Fukon, San Jacinto, and Powhatan, $1,270; for Vixen, $144; for Saranac, $480—total, $l,a94. SeeweU's "Salinometers."—For seven for Alleghany at $75, $525; seven for Princeton at $75, $525 ; four for Susquehanna at $75, $300; four for Powhatan at $75, $300; three for Saranac at $75, $2^5; four for Fulton at $75, $300; one for Water Witch, $75; one for Vixen, $75 ; four for Mississippi at $75, $300 ; three for San Jacinto at 75, $225 ; article manufactured and patent included in each case. Total, $2,850. Allen &f Noyes's "Metallic Packing"—For right to use on Powhatan, Mississippi, and Michigan, $3,400; on Saranac, $1,250; on Princeton, $900; on Alleghanv, $900- on Water Witch, $700; on Vixen, $700—total, $7,850. Pirsson's "Condenser."—For right to use on Alleghany, inclusive of his personal attend- ance while manufacturing, $1,000—total, $1,000. Lamb &f Summer's "Sheet-flue Boiler."—For right to make and use on Princeton and Alleghany, $5,085; on Water Witch and Vixen, $1,800—total, $6 885. B. Crawford's "Steam Thermometer."—For one to be used at the Foundry, Washington Navy Yard, inclusive of patent, $100—total, $100. . ■. Lt. Hunter's "Submerged Wheel."—For right to use on Alleghany, (not now usad \ $10.320—total, »ll>,320. ■»•"«/ Francis's "Life Boat "^For one for Mississippi, $520; one for Vandalia, $520; one for Vincennes, $520; one for Saranac, $540 ; one for Alleghany, $540; one for Copper Cuiter $540; one Dingy for Washington Yard, $50; one Dingy, 5,126; one Dingy, for Alle- ghany, $126; one Copper Cuiter, $540; manufactured article and patent included in each case. Total, $4,022. * in my opinion, he is entitled, on the score of the benefits and advan- tages resulting from iuy j$se in the naval service. As the views of the Bureau in regard to the importance of this dis- covery have been already expressed in a communication to Dr. Morton, I beg leave to extract so much of it as relates to this branch of the sub- ject: "In reply to your inquiry as to the importance attached to the late dis- covery of etherization, by the Medical Corps of the Navy, it gives me pleasure to express the high sense they entertain of its utility, not only in surgical practice, but as a powerful agent in many painful affections which have resisted the ordinary remedies. This opinion is strength- ened by the concurrent testimony of the ablest civil practitioners of our own country, with the emphatic endorsement of its value by the best British and continental surgeons. "The gist of this discovery consists in finding that, nervous percep- tion is suspended under the influence of the ethereal inhalation ; and while suspended, that the patient is unconscious of pain under the ope- ration of the'knife. In addition to the great benefit derived from its use in alleviating pain, it has a decided effect in diminishing mortality. Its advantage in this respect appears to be in saving the system from the severe shock and nervous exhaustion which attend most of the graver surgical operations, and which of themselves often prove fatal. "It dispels the fear of pain which formerly prevented many from submitling to an operation, or induced them to defer it until too late. "It enables the surgeon, aiso, to operate coolly and effectually, un- disturbed by the cries and struggles of the patient, which sometimes unnerve the steadiest hand, and render abortive the best-directed ef- forts." In regard to the grounds on which Dr. Morton bases his claim to pecuniary remuneration from the Government, I would state, that from the peculiar nature of the discovery, it is impossible to protect the in- ventor in the extensive advantage of it by letters patent. The novelly of the discovery consists in the new application of an old remedial agent, and the privilege of using it, on the part of the profession at large, can- not be practically curtailed by statutory enactment. The inventor is thus deprived of the pecuniary advantages of his discovery, and is jus- tified in appealing to the government, which also largely avails itself of the benefits derived from it, for relief. it will be difficult to estimate the amount which the inventor may reasonably ask of the Government in consideration of the advantages attending its use in the two services. For the reasons above mentioned, 'the cost of the ether itself cannot enter as an element inlo the calcula- tjqn, and the fairest estimate, I conceive, might be more nearly approxi- mated by the amount one would be willing to give to be rescued from impending death, or to be relieved from urgent and intolerable pain. 1 would express the opinion, however, that the sum of one hundred thousand dollars proposed by the Select Committee of the House of Representatives as a compensation to the inventor, is nothing more 24 -:\ than a fair equivalent for the immense advantage resulting to the Gov- ernment and country from this important discovery. v •.. , •I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,- * /THOS, HARRIS, , Chief Bureau of 'Medicine and Surgery. Hon. Wm. A. Graham, Secretary of, the Navy. West Point, New York*, 'February 14, 1852. Both ether and chloroform are used as aesthetic agents* in the army. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JQHN W. CUYLER, Surgeon U. S. A. Hon. W. H. Bissell, Chairman; &fc. -I* . St. Louis, Mo., Februaty 12, 1852. Ether was first used by the army early in 1847, during the Mexican war, more particularly on General Scott's line. As at that period a complicated and fragile inhalator was employed for its use, of the num- ber of instruments sent to the army, two, intended for the Rio Grande line, were broken in the transportation ; hence the ether was little used if at all on that line. The chloroform was early introduced in the army, not soon enough to have had experience of it or chloric ether during the war. It is now one of the principal articles of our medical supplies, and is in general use. The chloroform is as highly esteemed by the medical officers of the army and navy as by the surgeons in general practice ; it is certainly an inestimable boon to suffering humanity. To my knowledge no im- portant surgical operation, including reduction of dislocations, fractures, &c, is performed in the army without its being employed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. H. ABADIE, Asst. Surgeon, U. S. A. Hon. W. II. Bissell, Chairman, fyc. Fort Adams, R. I., February 10, 1852. I have no doubt their effect is greatly to lessen mortality in surgical operations. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, R. S. SATTERLEE, Surgeon U. S. A. . Hon. W. H. Bissell, Chairman, tyc. " West Point, N. Y., February 12, 1852.^ ' Says it was introduced into the Mexican war. " I shall consider it the greatest boon of the soldier. "J. SIMONS, Asst. Surg. U. S. A." 25 " Athens, Georgia, February 9, 1852. " 1 reply, that in the Navy of the United States, to mf knowledge, both ether and chloroform are used as anaesthetic agents. " That the discovery is of American origin, and due to Dr. Morton, seems so well established and believed, that it is needless for me to add anything on this head. The memory of such a man should be written ' in cerea perencs ,•' and it would reflect honor upon his country to re- ward his labors, while living. Such a man can proudly exclaim with the immortal Tycho Broke, < I have not lived in vain.' "A. A. FRANKLIN HILL, Asst. Surg. U. S. Army. . >;. " New York, January 3, 1852. "I would state that sulphuric ether and tincture of chloroform are among the medical supplies furnished for the use of the army. "T. G. MOWER, " Surgeon U. S. Army." " New York, January 31, 1852. " Chloroform and sulphuric ether are, I believe, furnished generally to the army. * * * The effect of these agents is wonderful and most valuable in lessening pain and suffering. t" ROBERT MURRAY, ('Asst. Surg. U. S. Army.'''' "Philadelphia, January 21, 1852. " And so far as my observation extends, (having witnessed a large number of most painful operations under the influence of ether,) I can but consider the discovery of the properties of these agents as the greatest boon that poor suffering humanity has ever received. "W. WHEATON, " Surgeon U. S. Army." "Fort Washington, Indiana, January 27, 1852. "Medical officers are supplied with chloroform for the use of the army. * * * I have used it myself. "LEWIS A. EDWARDS, "Surgeon U. S, Army." "Germantown, January 26, 1852. "Some of these agents are always added to the requisitions of medi- cal surgeons. rV- "U. S. Marine Hospital, New Orleanst Feb. 17, 1852. "As regards the use of anaesthetic agents, we have invariably em- ployed chloroform in operations; also for perineal section, for stricture of the urethra, and minor surgery, without any unpleasant'results, and I think with more favorable convalescence. . «P. B. McKELVEY, "Principal Physician and Surgeon." ------ . ) Dr. J. H. Hopkinson, U. S. Navy, uses chloroform. Wm. Lowber, U. S. Navy, says, ether and chloroform is used. John H. Wright, passed assistant surgeon U. S.^avy, uses them. D. B. Phillips, assistant surgeon U. S. Navy, haa-iised them. John L. Fox, surgeon U. S. Naval Hospital, Chelsea, says, he has used them. John L. Burtt, U. S. N., U. S. Naval Hospital, N. Yi,juses chlo- roform. Geo. Blacknall, surg. U. S. N., Norfolk, Va., says, they.,,are used. Wm. A. Nelson, M. D., U. S. Navy, says, it is used in the'navy. D. S. Edwards, surgeon U. S. Navy, says, ether and chloroform are used in the navy. Charles S. Tripler, surgeon U. S. A., Fort Gratiot, Mich., uses them. R. O. Wood, surgeon U. S. A., says, it has been used in the navy. A. S. Wotherspoon, assistant surgeon U. S. Army—Surgeon Gen- eral's office—bears testimony to its high value. Josiah Simpson, assistant surgeon U. S. Army, Fort Wood, New York harbor, uses ether. Dr. Macklin, assistant surgeon U. S. Army, uses ether. L. D. Williams, Havre de Grace, says, anaesthetic agents are used. Ebenezer Swift, surgeon U. S., Fort Martin Scott, Texas, uses anaesthetic agents. • Dr. J. N. Schoolfield, Marine Hospital, Norfolk, Va., uses anaes-» thelic agents. Dr. Henry S. Leveret, U. S. Marine Hospital, Mobile, uses anaes- thetic agents. • Dr. William Ingalls, U. S. Marine Hospital, Chelsea, Massachu- setts, uses anaesthetic agents. *f 31 Dr. M. L. Hewitt, IT. Sv Marine Hospital, Cleaveland, Ohio, uses them. ■ >• ' . Alexander H. Hassier, Texas, assistant surgeon U. S. Army, uses anaesthetic agents. Thomas H. Williams, assistant surgeon U. S. Army, Fort North, Texas, speaks highly of them. T. C. Madison, U. S. Army, uses anaesthetic agents. To the honorable, the Senate and House of Representatives of the U/nted States in Congress assembled. The undersigned hereby testify to your honorable body, that in their opinion Dr. Williani T. G. Morton first proved to the world that ether would produce insensibility to the pain of surgical operations, and that it could be used wfth safely. In their opinion, his fellow men owe a debt to him for this knowledge. Wherefore they respectfully ask a recognition by Congress of his services to his country and mankind. JOHN C. WARREN, M. D., Senior Surgeon Massachusetts Gen- eral Hospital, and late President American Medical Society, and Emeritus Professor of Anatomy of Harvard University. GEORGE HAY WARD, M. D., President Massachusetts Medical ' Society, and Surgeon Massachusetts General Hospital. S. D. TOWNS END, M. D., Surgeon Mass. Gen. Hospital. J. MASON WARREN, M. D., " " " S. PARKMAN, M. D., " " " " HENRY J. BIGELOW, M. D., Surgeon Massachusetts General Hospital, and Professor of Surgery Harvard University. HENRY S. CLARK, M. D., Surgeon Massachusetts General Hos- pital, and City Physician. JACOB BIGELOW, M. D., Professor Materia Medica Harvard University, and President of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Physician to Massachusetts General Hospital. OLIVER W. HOLMES, M. D., Professor of Anatomy Harvard University. HENRY 1 BOWDITCH, M. D., Physician to Mass.Gen. Hospital. D. HUMPHREYS STORER, M. D., " M. S. PERRY, M. D., " " " JAMES JACKSON, M. D., 1 nnn~unin(T Physician HENRY W. WILLIAMS, M. D., Secretary Suffolk District Medi- cal Society. M. H. CHI ELDS, President Birkshire Medical College. GEORGE°APBETHUNE, l^T^Ju^^ ^ ""* EDWARD REYNOLDS, $ har lnjirmaiy^ Members of Massachusetts Medical Society. Walter Channing, John Homans, President Suffolk District Medical Society, Z. B. Adams, John C. Hayden, John Ware, Ephraim Bush, George Bartlett, Jonas H. Lane, Anson Hooker, Henry Dyer, Augustus A. Gould, Charles Gordon, Joseph L. Jones, Samuel Kneeland, sr., T. Fletcher Oakes, Geo. Hubbard, Chas. W. Moore, Richard H. Sailer, Fytche Edward Olwein, Wm. J. Dale, Wm. Ed. Coale, James W. Stone, B. W. Newell, Francis A. Willard, Wm. Hawes, Charles Mifflin, J. Wippasne, Abrm. A. Watson, Aaron P. Richardson, Henry A. Ward, Wm. Bo wen Morris, James B. Gregerson, M. Mattson, David Thayer, Samuel Morrill, ;*» •-. Silas Durkee, Geo. Stevens Jones, Jesse Chickering, J. A. Tarbell, Geo. H. Symane, Henry W. Williams, J. Randolph Lincoln, George Derby, Warren J. Whitney, Francis Minot, D. D. Slade, W. E. Townsend, John B. Alley, Geo. H. Gay, Luther Parks, jr., Wm. G. Wheeler, F. H. Gray, James F. Harlow, George Russell, Chas. E. Ware, E. W. Blake, Edw. H. Clarke, Samuel Gregg, E. D. Miller, C. G. Putnam, Chas. A. Phelps, John Oden, jr., Joseph Reynolds, Geo. Hay ward, jr., Henry Osgood Stine, 33 Wm. W. Morlartd, M. C. Greene, Horace Stacy, Franklin'F. Patch, Samuel L. Abbot, John H. Oix, James Ayer, Jos. J. Fales,. P. Wibrand, Ezra Bartlett, S. F. Parcher, James Hyndman, Henry S. Lee> E. D. Cleaveland, John Stevens.' Ira W. Tobie, J. Everette Henick, N. C. Stevens, Enoch O. Rolie, Henry Willard, A. Alexander, D, McGowan,. Alex. S. Buder, Benj. B. Appleton, E. E. Braun, A. J. Bellows, Benj. Seabury, George W. Otis, jr., Charles H. Allen, A. C. Webber, J. P. Alden, W. W. Wellington, A. L. Peirson, William Mack, George Choate, Wm. Henry Prince, J. G. Wood, James Stone, jr., E. Cross, A. S. Adams, J. T. Galloupe, Danl. PerJey, 5 G. Newton Thomson, J. M. Phipps, Abner Phelps, Josiah Curtis, E. D. G. Palmer, Danl. V. Folts, R. L. Hincklev, J. W. Hinckle'y, M. B. Souard, P. E. Molloy, Henry Bryant, Chas. E. Buckingham, J. W. Warren, jr., D. D. Smith, George Power, William Read, J. F. W. Lane, Constantine B. O'Donnell, M. R. C. S. E. John S. H. Fogg, Edmund T. Eastman, J. C. Sanborne, E. A. Kittredge. Charlestoion. H. L. Chase, Chas. F. Foster, A. J. Cummings, Thomas J. Stevens, Hutchinson Germaine, Alexander Poole, James B. Forsyth, John Toomy. Salem, Mass. E. B. Peirson, Geo. C. S. Choate, Geo. A. Perkins, H. Wheatland, Samuel Johnson, J .* Edward A. Holyoke. Newburyport, Muss. S. M. Gale. Lynn, Mass. James M. Nye, John Renton, Nathaniel Ruggles, • « 34 „'*/.•. D. A. Johnson, E. Porter Eastman, Henry Clarke, Saml. Flagg, Geo. A. Bates, Chas. VV. Whitcomb, Joseph Sargent, Oramel Martin, William Workman, *v Chas. M. Weeks, Edw. Newhall:>' Worcester, Mass. Rufus Woodward, Henry Sargent, A. Goulet, P. B. Mignoult. Benj. Heywood, John E. Hathaway. f Springfield, Mass. «*;. C. C.Chaffee-,-* H. A. Hamilton, Henry B. Vaille, D. C. Perkins, Jas. M. Smith, Edwin Seeger, N. Adams, A. S. McClean, Alfred Lambert, Pittsfield, Mass. H. H. Childs, President of Birk- Avery Williams, head Med. Institution. A. N. Allen, N. S. Barnes, L. F. Humeston, 0. S. Root, Frank A. Cady, 0. E. Brewster, Nath'l Foole, Willard Clough, M. O.? Clark F. Hall, M. D., N.J. Wilson. Taunton. Alfred Bayliss, H. B. Hubbard, Horace Bowen, Ebenezer Dawes, William Dickinson, Dan. King, George Leonard. T. S. May hew, Johnson Clark, Jno. H. Jennings, Wm. A. Gordon, New Bedford. Elijah Colby, CD. Stickney, John Howell Mackie, Paul Spooner. Fall River. James W. Hartly, P. A. Smyth, Jerome Dwelly, Foster Hooper, E. T. Learned. Lowell. John 0. Green, Henry Whiting, J. P. Jewett, J. D.Pillsbury, Elisha Huntington, John W. Graves, Benjamin Skelton, H. Pillsbury, P. P. Campbell, L. B. Morse, Charles A. Davis, Ployer G. Kiltredge, i. i.'.i. 35 Chas. A. Savory, Joel Spalding, . David Wells, im Geo. W. Sanborn, Wm. D. Lamb, James Howartb,. • '." \ Thos. R. Boutelle, Levi Pillsbury, T. W. Wadsworth, Jas. L. Hunt, Winslow Warren, Jeremy Stimson, D. P. Wight, Ezra Stephenson, Ebenezer Woodward, William G. Pattee, Andrew Nichols, Joseph Osgood, James C. Briggs, Chandler Flagg, W. C. Boyden, Charles Haddock, Isaac P. Smith, C. H. Hiidreth, Benjamin Haskell, Lemuel Gott, Henry Bigelow, Simon Whitney, Francis Leland, Daniel Holt, , ,'■'■' Daniel Mowe, J. W. Scribner. Lawrence. David Dana, J. H. Morse. South Andover. '... ' W. H. Kimball. Fitchburg. W. M. Barrett, Henry M. Linrab. Plymouth. Benjamin Hubbard, Timothy Gordon. Dedham. H. F. Spear. Hingham. Robt. T. P. Fiske. Quincy. W. Goddard. Danvers. David A. Grosvenor, George Osgood. Marblehead. Daniel Gill. Beverly. Ingalls Kittredge. Gloucester. Geo. W. Smith. Rockport. Oscar D. Abbott. Newton. Cyrus K. Bartlet. Framingham. Allston W. Whitney. Milford. Theodore O. Cornish. t 36 [Extract of a letter from. John Watson, M. D.]< New York Hospital, January 10, 1852. . The wonderful action of ether and the other anaesthetics in alleviat- ing suffering, and in overcoming spasm and muscular resistance during the most protracted, difficult, and delicate surgical membulations, .is sufficient to place them among the most useful discoveries that ever have been effected, and to cntille Mr. Morton, who first demonstrated- the anaesthetic properties and use of sulphuric ether, to the gratitude of his countrymeh, and to give him rank among the benefactors of the human race. .' I remain, with becoming respect, . George Newbold, Esq. JOHN WATSON. [Extract of a letter from Henry 1. Bowditch, Physician of the Mas- sachusetts General Hospital.] Boston, January 4, 1852. I presume that the discovery of the anaeslhetic properties of ether, and its practical application to medicine, will lake a rank'.quite equal to that of vaccination. To no one does the world owe so much for this practical application, as to Dr. Morton. In fact I am fully con- vinced that had it not been for the boldness of that gentleman, the world io the present hour would have been ignorant of rhes^'jleculiar adaptations of ether to alleviate human suffering. I say boldness now. In former times, however, I said rashness; for I believe I may say, without fear of contradiction, lhat the medical profession, as a body, would have feared death as the result, from experiments such as are now made daily without the least fear. Dr. Morton has convinced us from error. Doubtless he received suggestions from other similar experi- ments, made by several individuals, but to his indomitable perseverance do we finally owe all the essential good which the discoverer has be- stowed on man. I hope therefore that Dr. Morton will receive a tribute of respect from Congress, that shall be commensurate with the great benefits that he has bestowed upon the nation. I remain, very respectfully, vours, Hon. W. H. Bissell. HENRY I. BOWDITCH. [Extract of a letter from Henry J. Bigelow, Professor in Harvard . University, and Surgeon in Massachusetts General Hospital.] Boston, January 3, 1852. I trust that Dr. Morion will now at last receive a substantial and liberal return for his discovery, that eiher can annul pain ; 1, with safety—with less risk, for example, than everybody daily encounters either in walking or riding ; 2, with certainty, in every case. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, „. „ „ „ HENRY J. BIGELOW. W. H. Bissell, Chairman, fyc. 37 [Extract of a letter from James Jackson, M. D., Professor Emeritus of Theory and Practice of Physic in the University at Cambridge, Honorary Member of the Royal Medico- Chirurgical Society of London, fyc] Boston, January 5, 1852. I have, nevertheless, watched the new use of ether and chloroform with great interest from the first annunciation of this discovery by Dr. Morton; and I will say, in general, that it would be difficult to exag- gerate the benefits of these anaesthetic agents. The great and undoubted benefits of ether are shown in surgical and obstetric practice ; and 1 believe these are such as to entitle the dis- coverer of its good effects, when employed by inhalation, to a very large reward. 1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. W. H. Bissell. JAMES JACKSON. In a communication to a former committee of the House, Dr. Jack- son says : " In my opinion, Dr. Morton is entitled to a grant from Congress, for the Ether discovery, more than any and all other persons in the world." ■-• * [Extract of a letter from Richard Girdler, M. D.~\ Boston, January 27, 1852. I was. present at those operations when ether was first administered at the hospital ; saw its effects with admiration and astonishment, and am witness to its successful application almost every day ; and hope the committee will report favorably upon the just claims of Wm. T. G. Morton, who, I believe, is entitled to the merit of the discovery, and consequently should receive a fitting reward. Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, RICHARD GIRDLER, Superintendent Massachusetts General Hospital. Hon. W. H. Bissell. [Extract of a letter from George Hay ward, M. D., Professor of Harvard University, and Surgeon in Massachusetts General Hospital.] Boston, January 8,1852. I cannot close this letter without saying, that I regard sulphuric eiher, the agent first used by Dr. Morton, as by far the best anaesthetic agent; that I believe the world are indebted to him for its introduction into practice, by proving by actual experiment what was not before known or generally believed, that it could be inhaled with safety. • 'K I certainly regard this discovery as one of the greatest of the age, a- 1 think that Dr. Morton is entitled to a liberal grant ftbm our country for the benefit that he has conferred onthe human race. 1 am, with much respect* your obedient servant, GEORGE HAYWARD.; Hon. W. H. Bissell. ' * ' ,' t . .? ------ f \ [Extract of a letter from Thomas P. Jackson.] ,,,:, Boston, February 4, 1852. I consider the discovery and introduction of sulphuric ether as an anaesthetic agent to be second to no discovery in medical science, not even to the discovery of vaccination, and that we are solely indebted for its introduction by Dr. William T. G. Morton. . My opinion is that no compensation Congress can confer on Doctor Morton will equal his deserts, and I really hope tlmtifor once a deserv- ing man may receive his recompense during his life, instead of having a monument erected over his grave. I would say, irfconclusion, that I have not the slightest acquaintance with Dr. Morton,'and that I be- lieve it is the general wish of the profession in this vicinity that Doctor Morton shall receive some remuneration for the benefits he has con- ferred on suffering humanity. ''*.' Yours, respectfully, .. v' THOMAS P. JACKSON"; M. D. Hon. William H. Bissell. '" r. [Extract of a letter from Dr. Putnam.] Boston, February 14, 1852. In regard to the estimate in which I hold it, (ether,) 1 cannot, perr haps, give a more satisfactory proof, than by stating that, immediately' after my first experiments, I insisted on Dr. Morton's acceptance of a small sum of money in acknowledgment of my personal obligation to him, and as an earnest of what 1 considered to be his due from the whole community. With great respect, I am, yours, CHARLES G. PUTNAM, M. D. To the Committee. [Extract of a letter from Augustus A. Gould, M. D.] Boston, January 15, 1852. rf I cannot but hope that Congress will do something noble in this case.*. Other nations have already bestowed honors and emoluments upon' ■•■ those they have deemed entitled, in testimonial of their appreciation of,"' this, the greatest boon which has yet been granted to the keenest suf- ferings of mankind. And it is not seemly that our own nation should '% pass by in silence one of the greatest and most universally applicable : X -'39 discoveries whi,ch the world can boast of. The person or persons in- strumental in bestowing it deserve substantial reward. I have happened to know every step in the early introduction of the use of ether as an anaesthetic agent. And I am familiar with the odium, the' denunciations, and the persecutions, and threatened persecutions which were so liberally showered at its introduction. They came from honest men, whose experience had led them to apprehend serious danger. But with firmness of purpose, disregard of threats, and no lack or stint of expense, the demonstration was soon complete, and all rational opposition has long since been silent; and now it is not only a subject for national pride and national gratitude, but it commands and receives the gratitude of'the world. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUGUSTUS A. GOULD. Hon. W. H. Bissell. [Extract of a letter from Albion S. Dudley, M. D.] ' ' ' \ Boston, February 3, 1852. Dr. Morton certainly was the first in this city to reveal the anaesthe- tic effects of the sulphuric ether to the public, and successfully intro- duce it into the Massachusetts Medical College, to my certain know- ledge. »*."v\ ' " Ifiave the honor to be, yours, respectfully, ALBION S. DUDLEY. To the Hon. W. H. Bissell. [Extract of a letter from A. L. Peirson, M. D.] Salem, January 17, 1852. I have toiled through five-and-thirty years of medical, and especially surgical practice, in a dense population, during most of the lime in con- scious need of some pain-destroying remedy, and I hail the discovery of the application of the properties of ether with devout gratitude to a beneficent Creator, who has vouchsafed such a blessing to suffering humanity ; and with sincere thankfulness to Dr. Morton as being the efficient and fortunate agent, by whose means it has been placed in the hands of the medical profession. For although the inhalation of ether, to produce intoxicaiion, may not have been a new idea previous to October, 1846, yet Dr. Morion, at that time, partially demonstrated its safety, utility, and applicability, in making surgical operations painless, and was the procuring cause of its being now employed by all classes of medical practitioners, in taking away that dread of human nature— Jttin. '•• t I have the honor to subscribe myself, very respectfully, r A. L. PEIRSON. * Hon. W. H. Bissell. -. 40 [Letter from J. F. May, Professor of Surgery National Medical College, Washington/] , . Washington, February 10, 1852. Sir: I have received your circular requesting of" me an answer to the following inquiries : 1st. Is ether or chloroform used as an anaesthetic agent in your in- stitution ? 2d. If used, to what extent, in what classes of diseases, or of opera- tions, and with what effect? 3d. What, in your opinion, is their effect in diminishing mortality? 4th. To what extent, in what classes of cases, and with what result are they used in private practice in your vicinity? 5th. In what appreciation are they held by the medical faculty with- in your knowledge? I reply: *:, 1st. Chloric ether is always used by me and my colleagues, as an anaesthetic agent in every operation of any importance that is per- formed in the Washington Infirmary, of which institution I am one of the surgeons. 2d. For more than three years I have constantly used it, both in hospital and in private practice, and it has never in a single instance disappointed me in producing insensibility to pain, and I 'have never found its administration to be attended or followed by any serious .result. I have given it at all ages, from the tender infant to the old and infirm man, and from a few moments to more than an hour at a time. I have performed under its influence many of the most important and capital operations of surgery ; among which I may mention lithotomy, stran- gulated hernia, the removal of tumors from various regions, the different amputations of both the upper and lower extremities, from the removal of a fiiger to disarticulation of the hip joint, &c. o"d. 1 am perfecily convinced that the use of anaesthetic agents has greatly diminished the mortality of surgical operations, and I am pre- pared to say further, that 1 would almost as soon think of amputating a limb without previously compressing its principal artery, as to perform a difficult and dangerous operation without first putting the patient in an anaesthetic state. 1 consider it, in fact, so important an element to the success of the surgeon in severe and formidable operations, by pre- venting all shock to the system, that I think he ought to decline any operation of magnitude and danger, should he meet with a refusal on the part of the patient to be subjected to its influence. But fortunately there are few who are not only willing but anxious to be soothed by the magic spell which, to the victim, robs surgery of nearly all its ter- rors, and to the surgeon brings pleasure, from the knowledge that he inflicts no pain. 4th. I believe that all important surgical operations in private pra-- / 1 ■*.■' >■ s» *'■■ "\