William Thomas Green Morton
Pioneered the use of ether as a surgical anesthetic, making painless surgery possible.
Most quoted
"I have invented a fluid which, applied to the mouth, will cause a patient to fall into a profound sleep, from which he will awaken without pain."
— from Morton's own account, 1846
"To suffer no more pain, to dread no more the surgeon's knife, to be spared the agony of the operating table – this is a blessing beyond measure."
— from Public statement, 1846
"I have discovered a compound by inhaling which, a person is rendered insensible to pain, and can be operated upon without suffering."
— from Letter to Dr. Charles T. Jackson, 1846
All quotes by William Thomas Green Morton (394)
I have discovered a method by which I can produce a state of insensibility to pain during surgical operations.
Gentlemen, this is no humbug!
I am ready to demonstrate to the world that there is no pain in surgery.
I have given to the world the greatest discovery ever made for the relief of suffering humanity.
The great discovery of the age is the annihilation of pain.
I have suffered more than any other man, but I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have done more good than any other man.
The greatest blessing ever conferred upon suffering humanity.
I claim to be the discoverer of surgical anesthesia.
My object was to find something that would render a patient insensible to pain during surgical operations.
I have given to the world a new era in surgery.
The world will yet do me justice.
I have been persecuted, but I have never despaired.
The greatest discovery of the age, and one which will immortalize my name.
I have devoted my life to this discovery.
The relief of human suffering is my greatest reward.
I have made a discovery that will benefit all mankind.
The world owes me a debt of gratitude.
I have conquered pain.
My discovery is a blessing to the human race.
I have given to the world a means of alleviating human suffering that will endure for all time.
Contemporaries of William Thomas Green Morton
Other Medicines born within 50 years of William Thomas Green Morton (1819–1868).