Review of the "Lancet's" article on the history of anaesthetic discovery / by the original discoverer, Robert H. Collyer, M.D.

  • Collyer, Robert H.
Date:
1871
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Review of the "Lancet's" article on the history of anaesthetic discovery / by the original discoverer, Robert H. Collyer, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

    11/20 (page 9)
    Eiiglaud of the news of JNIorton's experiments with ether. The following attestation of the fact was given— January 2nd, 1847. We, the undersigned, were present at a lecture delivered by Dr. Collyer on the evening of December 10, 1846, in this town. We distinctly heard him state that he had frequently, by the inhalation of narcotic and stimulating vapours, brought about a state of unconsciousness like that produced by the mesmeric passes, and that during that state all kinds of surgical operations could be performed without pain to the patient. Signed: A. J. Howard. G. G. Irwine. A. J. Le Cras. G. G. Bowring. A. Le Bas. B. Thompson. J. Deslandes. S. Thompson. H. Thompson. Col. J. 0. J. Davidson. M. J. Preshaw, Sui-geon. Fred. M. Young. A. W. Alderson. H. Alderson. Herbert A. Gray. J. De la Taste. ■ J. H. Fergerson. M. W. HoUoway. Tliis is not consistent with the assertion that the j)riuciple ad\ ocated by me in 1840, 1841,1842, and 1843, was ever deserted. NOTE 7. Enthusiastic Collyer, we say to oiu* minds, was the true modern pioneer after all, the man who ran first and beckoned and called, however oddly, others to foUow, but with so much effect that a few followed at once and many aftenvards. It is here admitted, that no one has, in point of time, any right to claim priority in having produced an unconscious insensible state by the inhalation of narcotic and stimulating vapoui's. Mj object in reviemng the Lancet's article, is to supply some omissions which arc important, as showing the battle that had to be fought single-handed, and to correct some uniatentional mistakes, as it is not gr-atifying to be mis- represented, even though it is done with the best of intentions. I have just completed a work for publication entitled History of the iinajsthetic Discovery, in connection with the Vital Element, Vital Pho- tography, Hie Philosophy of Somnanihulism, Dreams, Suspended Anima- tion, (£o. Tlus work will enter into the details of the various stages which ultimately culminated in the general use of anaesthetics. Also, preparing for the press, a treatise on Vaccination and He- Vaccination.