Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. · May 1992
Biography Historical ArticleDr Horace Wells: the discoverer of general anesthesia.
The discovery of anesthesia in the second quarter of the 19th century was one of the greatest advances in the history of medicine. This discovery has been variously attributed to Long, Wells, Morton, Jackson, and others. In this article, the authors place in perspective the role each of these men has played. The conclusion is that to Wells belongs the singular honor and title of discoverer.