Report to the House of Representatives vindicating the rights of Charles T. Jackson to the discovery of the anaesthetic effects of ether vapor....

Boston: The minority of the Committee, 1852. 8vo. 57 pp. 1st ed. Original printed wrappers. Item #12580

First edition. Furthering the controversy surrounding the discovery of surgical anaesthesia: "In January 1849, [William Thomas Green] Morton visited Washington and -- supported by a resolution passed in his favour by the Governors of the Massachusetts General Hospital and others -- again petitioned Congress. On this occasion a committee of investigation was set up and the chairman ‘addressed a letter to the opponents of Dr. Morton, requesting them to put in before the committee any documents against his claim and in support of their own'. On this occasion the committee reported in Morton's favour, but still the matter did not progress" (Duncum, p. 127).
This copy differs from others seen in that the printed wrappers state: "Congressional Report of Hon. Edward Stanly, of North Carolina, and Hon. Alexander Evans, of Maryland, on the ether discovery, thirty-second Congress, first session." This document is presented by the members of that committee who dissented from the majority's support of Morton. With documentary evidence, Congressmen Stanley and Evans set forth the reasons for their disagreements, analyzing and dissecting the majority opinion.

Price: $1,250.00