Crawford Long medicine chest

Collection — Object: 1

Collection number: MSS-021

Scope and Contents

The medicine chest is made of wood with no distinguishable maker's markings. The top of the chest is divided into small compartments for medicine bottles; the lower part consists of one drawer with a metal pull. To open the drawer, a pin must be removed from the upper compartment.

Dates

1841-1878

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

This collection has no restrictions. This collection is open to the public. Library policy on photography and photocopying will apply. Advance notice may be required. Apply in the Heritage Room for access.

Biographical / Historical

Crawford W. Long was born in 1815. He received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1839. In 1841, he returned to Georgia to work in private practice.

As he began his career, he began researching the effects of ether and used the chemical to perform surgery in March 1842. Long is now credited with being the first person to use an anesthetic to subdue pain during surgery and childbirth.

Long married Caroline Swain in 1842 and moved his practice and family to Athens in 1851. He died at the age of 63 in 1878.