Crawford Williamson Long or Crawford W. Long (1815-1878) was an American physician and surgeon best known for his pioneering use of ether as an anesthetic. On March 30, 1842, he administered ether to a patient to remove a tumor from the patient’s neck, marking the first recorded use of ether anesthesia in surgery. This significant medical advancement revolutionized surgical practice, making procedures less painful and more humane. Long’s contributions to anesthesia are celebrated annually in the United States on Doctor’s Day, which coincides with the anniversary of his first use of ether anesthesia.
