Abstract
This article examines the overlooked Civil War contributions of Dr. William Thomas Green Morton, the dentist best known as the Father of Surgical Anesthesia. While Morton’s role in introducing ether anesthesia to surgery is well documented, his service as a volunteer anesthetist for the Union Army remains largely unrecognized in Civil War literature. Drawing on contemporary accounts, letters, and eyewitness descriptions, the article highlights Morton’s presence on major battlefields, where he administered ether to thousands of wounded soldiers. His work dramatically reduced surgical pain, improved morale, and marked the earliest example of organized military anesthesia in American history.
Recommended Citation
Jacobsohn, Peter H. DDS, FACD
(2026)
"Dr. William Thomas Green Morton, Civil War Hero,"
Journal of the American College of Dentists: Vol. 92:
No.
2, Article 16.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/jacd/vol92/iss2/16
Included in
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