To administer the ether, a glass reservoir incorporating pass-over vaporization was developed by Joseph M. Wightman and Nathan B. Chamberlain.  Last minute changes to perfect the device were made by Morton and MGH internist and scientist Augustus A. Gould, MD.

Interesting painting depicting the first demonstration of ether and the key individuals present. Click to enlarge.

The demonstration took place in the Bulfinch building.   This building was the first home of the Massachusetts General Hospital.  Today, the former operating room and building is referred to as the "Ether Dome."

Massachusetts General Hospital Pioneers
Dr. Warren	The Bulfinch Building, MGH "Ether Dome"	Dr. Bigelow

After Morton had completed a few ether demonstrations, he vigorously started to promote his discovery.  Bostonian R.H. Eddy convinced Morton, and also Jackson, to patent the discovery.   R.H. Eddy was the son of a patent commissioner, and a friend of Jackson.  Morton later obtained an application on October 27, and it was subsequently granted on November 12.     He called the substance "Letheon."   He spent all his time and money promoting the use of Letheon, and not practicing denistry.  Initially, he refused to reveal the nature of the solution.   This drew a strong negative response from the medical community, including the surgeons at the Massachusetts General Hospital.  A most vocal critic was Josiah foster Flagg, a Boston physician, surgeon, and medical illustrator.  His views were published in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, November 23, 1846, shortly after Bigelow's article.  However, the distinct aroma was soon recognized.  In 1847, Morton published the first article on the use of ether, titled "Remarks on the Proper Mode of Administering Sulphuric Ether by Inhalation."   In addition, for years he petitioned the U.S. Congress to recognize him as the principle discoverer of ether, and to compensate him for the use of his patent (U.S. Patent No. 4848, November 12, 1846).   An appropriation bill for $100,000 was approved in 1852 and 1854, but failed the Senate.   Despite appearances in Congress until 1863, he never received his money.  This eventially lead him to bankruptcy.

Jackson also claimed to have been responsible for the discovery.   In 1846, the Monthyon Prize of 5,000 francs was jointly awarded by the French Academy of Medicine to Jackson and Morton.   However, Morton refused his share, claiming that the discovery was his alone.  

In the years following the initial demonstration by Morton, a feud developed between Morton, Jackson, Wells, and Long.   Who was to be credited and profit from this discovery?

Wells eventually gave up his dental practice, apparently after a fatality.   In the winter of 1847-1848, Wells was visiting New York and began experiments with chloroform.   Wells soon became addicted.  On January 21, 1848, while under its influence, Wells threw acid on the clothing of a prostitute.  Two days later, while in jail at Tombs Prison, he committed suicide by slashing his thigh with a razor.  He died at the age of 33.

After 20 years of litigation and poverty, Morton died at age 49 on July 15, 1868 at St. Luke's Hospital in New York City.   He had apparently died from a stroke (?) or possibly heat stroke during a carriage ride through Central Park on the way to Washington Heights.  His wife and five children were left without any money.  Subsequently, Jackson, suffered what appeared to be a stroke with paralysis and speech impairment, but the disability led caretakers to believe he had gone mad.  He spent seven years at the McLean Asylum in Somerville, until his death on August 28, 1880 at age 75.   Dr. Long died in the Winter of 1878 at age 62, while attempting to administer ether to a farmer's wife during labor.

The Ether Monument is the oldest statue in Boston's historic Public Garden, and Henry J. Bigelow, M.D., was selected to present the monument to the city of Boston in 1868.	Etherton Cottage at Wellesley, Mass., home of Dr. Morton, where early experiments were made.

Morton - click to enlarge	Morton Burial Site at Mt Auburn Cemetery	Mrs. Elizabeth Morton, 1845, aged 18