Long and his discovery / by I.H. Goss.

  • Goss, I. H. (Isham Hamilton), 1853-1921.
Date:
[1908?]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Long and his discovery / by I.H. Goss. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Crawford W. Long early displayed signs of unusual ability. His primary education was quickly accomplished, and he matri¬ culated at Franklin College—now the University of Georgia at a peculiarly early age, graduating from this institution when only nineteen, standing second in his class, and receiving the degree of Master of Arts. After studying for one year at the University of Pennsylvania, he was graduated from that renowned institu¬ tion, where he had largely and successfully devoted time to ex¬ perimental work. He then spent a year in New York, and while there attained reputation as a skillful surgeon. In 1841, because of family importunities, Crawford W. Long returned to Georgia. He began the practice of medicine in the village of Jefferson, far from the bustle of the great world, re¬ mote from railroads and other necessities of modern life, truly a “nestling place for genius.” Dr. Long, albeit, yet a young man, soon acquired an ex¬ tensive practice. His abilities were apparent. His quiet, thought¬ ful bearing attracted people to him. It may be declared that there was more in his silence than in the words of many men. Throughout life Dr. Long was one of those men whom, accord¬ ing to George Eliot, “we can best know by entering with them their homes, and hearing the voice with which they speak to the aged and young about their hearthstone, and witnessing their careful thought for the everyday wants of everyday companions,” He bore a fine character, and “character,” says Phiilips Brooks, “is like a bell which rings out sweet music, and which, when even accidentally touched, resounds with music.” It was apparent to both old and young that Crawford W. Long had come into the world to better his fellow creatures. His office became the place of sojourn of those who desired a pleasant evening, especially of the young men of the village. About that time the inhalation of laughing gas, as an exhilarant, was much discussed. Lecturers on chemistry would sometimes entertain by giving a “nitrous oxide party,” during which the participants would become drunk from its inspiration. It was in the winter of 1841 that some young friends importuned Dr. Long to per¬ mit them to indulge this pastime in his office. The physician had no means of preparing nitrous oxide gas, but suggested that sul¬ phuric ether would produce similar exhilaration. The ether was produced; the young men inhaled and became hilarious. During the period of mirth some of them received bruises. The young medical practitioner noted that these bruises were not accompan-