Crawford W. Long Medical Museum - Jefferson, GA
N 34° 07.087 W 083° 34.383
17S E 262683 N 3778242
Jefferson was the location of the first use of ether during surgery by Crawford W. Long. The museum is dedicated to his life and work.
Waymark Code: WM14W5
Location: Georgia, United States
Date Posted: 01/15/2007
Views: 85
Dr. Crawford W. Long was the physician who, on March 30, 1842, first used ether for surgical anesthesia. Born in Danielsville, Georgia on November 1, 1815, Long entered the University of Georgia, then known as Franklin College at the age of 14. Upon graduating five years later, he apprenticed under Dr. Grant of Jefferson, Georgia, before leaving Georgia to attend the Medical Department of Transylvania University and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. It was here that he received his surgical training. Following one year’s internship in New York City, Crawford W. Long returned to Jefferson and purchased the practice of his former mentor, Dr. Grant.
Dr. Long was a young bachelor of 27 when he noticed that participants under the recreational use of ether felt no pain from injuries received during their “frolics.” He reached the conclusion that ether could make surgery painless. The opportunity to test his theory came when James Venable requested that Dr. Long remove a cyst from his neck. Three witnesses reported that, on March 30, 1842, the operation was successful and Venable felt no pain.
Personal artifacts and documents highlighting the life of Dr. Long, as well as early anesthesia equipment are displayed in the Medical Museum. The antebellum Pendergrass Store Building houses a recreated 1840s doctor’s office and apothecary shop. Exhibits on making medicine focus on the obstacles the early country doctor was forced to overcome.
The Pendergrass Store Building also include a replica of a 19th century General Store and serves as the performance area for Museum programs such as storytelling, live music, craft and historical demonstrations. A display of ledgers and daybooks from the original store offers visitors a unique view into the life of the 19th century citizen.
Take a stroll in the Knot Garden to learn the culinary and medicinal uses of the herbs and plants growing there. And no visit would be complete without a peek into The Mulberry Tree, the museum’s educational store. The Mulberry Tree carries works by local artisans, books and objects to enhance the museum's mission and programs, herbal products, and educational items.