A message from HMS President
DR. BERNARD KOSTO:
Medicine has a long list of incredible inventions and life-changing discoveries brought about by accident. Serendipity cannot be left out of the mix when it comes to innovation in medicine.
Fortune shone on Alexander Fleming when he left out an uncovered petri dish and found penicillin in the contaminated container. Connecticut’s Horace Wells attended a public show where the performers, high on nitrous oxide, were unfazed by bumps and bruises. Because he extracted teeth, he knew surgery without pain would be a medical miracle. And it was!
We at the Hartford Medical Society remember Dr. Horace Wells and honor his discovery. We want to give you the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and see Hartford from his perspective. Our walking tour will give you that chance. Many thanks go to Dr. Bill MacDonnell, our board member, who helped us develop the Horace Wells walking tour you can read about in this issue. We hope the story will inspire you to visit some beautiful locations in our great city.
Also a part of the history of the Hartford Medical Society are the Doctors Crary. Their legacy continues to allow our Society to operate today. If you visit Cedar Hills Cemetery for the Wells tour, Dr. David Crary Jr.’s grave is just around the corner. Be sure to visit and share your thanks.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
The Doctors Crary, Their Fund & The Hartford Medical Society
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By David Crombie, M.D.
For the past century, the Hartford Medical Society (HMS) has been one of seven beneficiaries of The Crary Fund, which was created in 1920, a year after the death of David Crary, Jr., M.D. In tribute to Dr. Crary, Jr, and his father, Dr. David Crary—a founding member of HMS way back in 1846—let us take a quick look at these two former practitioners of medicine in Hartford. Read More.
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Walk Through Hartford
With Horace Wells
Take a trip to the 19th century with famous Connecticut native and discoverer of anesthesia, Horace Wells, in a self-guided walking tour through Hartford. By visiting various landmarks in the city, we invite you to explore the brilliant yet tragic life of Horace Wells and the rich history of medicine on which he left an indelible mark.
WHO WAS HORACE WELLS?
Born in January 1815 in Hartford, Vermont, Horace Wells relocated to Hartford, Connecticut, in 1836 to practice dentistry. In addition to building a successful practice that tended to the governor and his family, Wells shared his education by writing textbooks and pushing his field forward with patented inventions.
The majority of his practice involved extracting teeth, a procedure he disliked because of the obvious discomfort it caused his patients. That was until December 10, 1844, when he realized there was a better way. While attending a “Grand Exhibition of the Effects Produced by Inhaling Nitrous Oxide,” Wells noticed that those who inhaled the gas would often injure themselves without any indication of pain. Wells asked G. Q. Colton, the showrunner, afterward, “Why cannot a man have a tooth extracted and not feel it under the effects of the gas...I believe it can be done!”
The next day, after receiving a bag of gas from Colton, Wells had his colleague, John Riggs, administer the gas and extract one of Wells teeth. He felt no pain, and dentistry was changed forever. Read More.
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FEATURED ARTIFACT
Duke University Inhaler, c. 1950
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Would you reach for this during an asthma attack? The Duke University inhaler was actually used as an ether applicator, helping alleviate patients' pain. See more medical technology in our Collection. |
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A Hartford Medical Society Membership is your best connection to the community of healthcare professionals here in Connecticut.
Our online and in-person events keep members up to date with the latest medical developments, featuring engaging discussions with renowned speakers and connection-building opportunities.
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Gregory Banever, M.D.
Anthony Peluso, M.D.
Rocco Orlando, M.D.
Janice Johnston, M.D.
Joseph Klimek, M.D.
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