Mount Auburn Book Club: Ether Day: The Strange Tale of America’s Greatest Medical Discovery and the Haunted Men Who Made It

January 8, 2016

This month marks the 170th anniversary of the first public demonstration of the use of Ether as anesthetic.  Several people claim to be the discoverer of this medical advancement and two are buried at Mount Auburn: William T. Morton and Charles Jackson.  Ether Day: The Strange Tale of America’s Greatest Medical Discovery and the Haunted Men Who Made It by Julie M. Fenster tells the story of this contentious discovery.

Each month, the Mount Auburn Book Club meets to discuss a selected work related to one of Mount Auburn’s many facets.  Selections range from books on history, natural history, horticulture, art, architecture, preservation, and wildlife to books written by or about those now buried and commemorated here.  The Book Club meets on the second Thursday of each month.  Coffee and tea are provided.  

Funding for programs has been provided in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

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