William James Morton (1845 – 1920): Like Father, Like Son?

William Thomas Green Morton, the man most commonly associated with the introduction of anesthesia in 1846, fathered William James Morton. William James Morton’s contributions to society were substantial. He conducted pioneering work in radiology, radiation oncology, and therapeutic electricity. He authored numerous textbooks and articles, and he was an editor of a journal on human behavior. His expertise on diamond mining led to an error in judgment that resulted in a felony conviction. We examine his career and contributions to society, and consider his career in light of his father, William Thomas Green Morton

Horace Wells Memorials in the City of Hartford, Connecticut

Introduction: Hartford, capital city of Connecticut was where Horace Wells conducted most of his work on the only anesthetic gas still used in clinical practice since the 19th century – nitrous oxide. Wells was born and raised in Hartford, Vermont, studied dentistry in Boston and established his practice in Hartford, Connecticut. Various icons celebrating Wells’ unique contributions in discovering the analgesic properties of nitrous oxide are located throughout this city. Materials and Methods: We consulted staff at Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) and at Hartford Medical Society to help identify sites and artifacts in Hartford that honor Horace Wells. Thereafter, we visited and studied each of these sites. Results: In 1847, Wells wrote a pamphlet titled ‘History of the Discovery of the Application of Nitrous Oxide Gas, Ether and Other Vapors to Surgical Operations.’ (Fig. 1). In 1907, the Spanish Dental Society honored Wells by awarding the city of Hartford a silver coat of arms. (Fig. 2) After Wells’ tragic death in 1848, his friend and dental colleague, John Riggs, prepared a death mask. (Fig. 3). The original mask was used by T. H. Bartlett in 1874 to sculpt a bronze statue of Horace Wells that was erected in Bushnell Park1 (Fig. 4). Wells’ office was located on Main Street, Hartford, and a plaque has been inserted onto the modern structure that stands in its place currently (Fig. 5). Horace and Elizabeth Wells were buried initially at Hartford’s Old North Cemetery. However, in 1908, Charles T. Wells (Horace’s only son) disinterred his parents’ remains from Old North Cemetery and reinterred them at Cedar Hill Cemetery. He also commissioned sculptor Louis Potter to create a fitting memorial consisting of a large granite grave marker with a bronze plaque on the front surface, and two angel figures on either end depicting the glory of his father’s discovery.2 (Fig. 6) Charles’ efforts to recognize his father’s discovery also led him to order from Louis C. Tiffany, a stain glass window (Fig. 7) that adorns Center Congregational Church. The Chapel at Trinity College has a pew dedicated to Horace Wells (Fig. 8).3 American artist Charles Noel Flagg (1848-1916) painted a portrait of Horace Wells, and this is part of the collection at Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (Fig. 9).3,4 Conclusions: The city of Hartford, Connecticut celebrates Horace Wells’ achievements with many historical monuments, gifts, books and paraphernalia; thereby remembering his role in the discovery of the anesthetic effects of nitrous oxide. His work was recognized not only in the United States, but also in Europe.

Delayed Emergence from General Anesthesia

The incidence of perioperative morbidity associated with varying degrees of untreated thyroid disease is unknown, however major complications have been reported including severe hypotension or cardiac arrest, extreme sensitivity to opioids and anesthetics with prolonged unconsciousness, and myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is a rare and life-threatening illness the outcome of which has not been robustly studied in large numbers, partly due to its low incidence. This case illustrates the differential diagnosis of delayed emergence from general anesthesia and the value of a complete history and physical exam. Although delayed emergence from general anesthesia is not uncommon, recognizing the cause and instituting timely treatment is imperative in conditions where delayed therapy can increase morbidity and mortality

Sites and artifacts related to Horace Wells in Hartford, Connecticut

Horace Wells, a contender for recognition as the discoverer of anesthesia, is celebrated in the town where he conducted most of his work, Hartford, CT. His only descendant was his son, Charles Thomas Wells (1839-1909), an influential and successful business executive at Aetna Insurance Company. He was a man of considerable influence, and he worked tirelessly with city officials and the Connecticut Dental Association in celebrating the 50th anniversary of his father\u27s contribution to medicine. This discovery is unique because events and individuals in 1 country, the United States, contributed entirely to the birth of a medical specialty. Sites in Jefferson, GA; Hartford, CT; and Boston, MA and their environs celebrate this most precious contribution to modern medicine, especially since the introduction of safe anesthesia permitted the development of surgical specialties and obstetrics. We trace the history and relationship between Horace Wells and several sites and artifacts in Hartford, CT. These sites span the most important, distinctive, and attractive parts of the city: Bushnell Park, Trinity College, Cedar Hill Cemetery, the Athenaeum, and the Connecticut Historical Society