Photo: Phil Smith Photography
UMass Chan Medical School is celebrating the arrival of the historical medical painting, The First Operation Under Ether, by American artist Robert C. Hinckley.
The original work of art, on long-term loan from the Boston Medical Library, is on display in the Lamar Soutter Library.
From 1882 to 1893, Hinckley researched and painted his interpretation of the first successful public demonstration of ether anesthesia, which occurred Oct. 16, 1846, at Massachusetts General Hospital. This historic event is considered the beginning of modern anesthesia.
Photo: Phil Smith Photography
“This is a very exciting and important moment for UMass Chan. The Lamar Soutter Library is happy to accept the Hinckley painting in partnership with the Boston Medical Library. It is a great opportunity for our community to build momentum around medical humanities and the history of medicine,” said Mary Piorun, PhD, director of the Lamar Soutter Library and associate professor of nursing. “Our hope is that students draw inspiration from the painting as they continue their preparation in medicine, nursing and research.”
The artwork depicts John Collins Warren, a surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, removing a tumor from the neck of his patient, Gilbert Abbott. The ether was administered to Abbott by dentist William Morton, who just weeks before had performed a successful tooth extraction using ether. The surgery took place in the operating theater in the Bulfinch Building at Massachusetts General Hospital, now known as the Ether Dome.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, a speaking event and reception is scheduled in the Lamar Soutter Library at 11 a.m.
To attend the event, register here.
