Crawford Williamson Long (November 1, 1815 June 16, 1878) was an American surgeon and pharmacist best known for his first use of inhaled sulfuric ether as an anesthetic.
Diethyl ether, or simply ether, is an organic compound in the ether class with the formula (C2H5)2O, sometimes abbreviated as Et2O (see Pseudoelement symbols). It is a colorless, highly volatile, sweet-smelling ("Ethereal odour"), extremely flammable liquid. It is commonly used as a solvent in laboratories and as a starting fluid for some engines. It was formerly used as a general anesthetic, until non-flammable drugs were developed, such as halothane. It has been used as a recreational drug to cause intoxication.
1842Mar, 30
Ether anesthesia is used for the first time, in an operation by the American surgeon Dr. Crawford Long.
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Events on 1842
- 13Jan
1842 retreat from Kabul
Dr. William Brydon, an assistant surgeon in the British East India Company Army during the First Anglo-Afghan War, becomes famous for being the sole survivor of an army of 4,500 men and 12,000 camp followers when he reaches the safety of a garrison in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. - 9Mar
Rancho San Francisco
The first documented discovery of gold in California occurs at Rancho San Francisco, six years before the California Gold Rush. - 30Mar
Crawford Long
Ether anesthesia is used for the first time, in an operation by the American surgeon Dr. Crawford Long. - 14Aug
Seminole Wars
American Indian Wars: Second Seminole War ends, with the Seminoles forced from Florida to Oklahoma. - 7Dec
Ureli Corelli Hill
First concert of the New York Philharmonic, founded by Ureli Corelli Hill.