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It has been said that surgical anesthesia is the greatest discovery of man. While it is not difficult to describe the limitless triumphs of electricity and of other marvellous inventions and discoveries, on land and sea, and in the air, which some may regard as the first in importance, to the individual who has experienced the power of surgical anesthesia to prevent pain, restore health and save life, all other human contributions become secondary in comparison. How was it found? With a towel, a bottle of ether, a prepared mind, a courageous heart, and a prayer—seemingly so simple, but creating for the world such a sublime, revolutionary gift! That was the first anesthetic.
