Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 1874

WILLIAM THOMAS GREEN MORTON (1819-1868) Statements supported by evidence, of Wm. T. G. Morton, on his claim to the discovery of the anaesthetic properties of ether. [n. publ.] 1853 582, 135 pp. 21.8 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 1873

As a result of the House of Representative's Select Committee report (see No. 1873), a bill calling for an award of $100,000 to Morton was introduced in the Senate in August, 1852. Although Morton had many enthusiastic supporters in the Senate, the bill was thwarted by Senator Truman Smith from Connecticut--Wells' native state--who backed the claims of Wells' heirs. As a result of Smith's opposition, a Senate Select Committee was appointed to investigate the matter. The present work contains testimony and documentary evidence submitted on behalf of Morton, Jackson, and Wells to the Select Committee appointed by the Senate during the second session of the thirty-second Congress in 1853. The report of this Select Committee was passed in the Senate but failed in the House of Representatives. Morton's supporters persisted but the bill died during the thirty-third Congress and Morton never received any remuneration for his discovery.

Cited references: Cushing M438; Waller 14357

Copy 1: Gift of John Martin, M.D. Copy 2: Gift of Mrs. Diana A. Stokes