October 13, 2000

It was 154 years ago on Oct. 16, 1846, that William T.G. Morton, a Boston dentist, demonstrated the first use of ether during surgery in the operating theater on the top floor of the Bulfinch Building. Using a specially designed glass inhaler containing an ether-soaked sponge, Morton administered the anesthetic to patient Gilbert Abbott, who was rendered unconscious. MGH founding father, John Collins Warren, MD, then surgically removed the vascular tumor from Abbott's jaw. This event marked a revolution in medicine – surgery without pain. It also inspired an MGH tradition that is still celebrated today – Ether Day.

For the past 55 years, the MGH has selected a day in October close to the anniversary of the first demonstration of ether to honor and recognize MGH employees and staff for their dedication, commitment and length of service to the hospital.

This year, the annual Ether Day celebration is held Oct. 13, with a special reception in the Bulfinch Tent for the more than 1,500 employees and staff who have worked at the hospital for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years. These employees receive pins and colored flowers distinguishing years of service.

This year, the honorees fall into the following categories:

60-year employees / white roses (3)
50-year employees / yellow roses (6)
40-year employees / white and purple carnations (16)
30-year employees / solid purple carnations (110)
25-year employees / orange carnations (110)
20-year employees / pink carnations (176)
15-year employees / yellow carnations (207)
10-year employees / white carnations (483)
5-year employees / red carnations (468)

The annual Ether Day dinner for 20-, 25-, 30-, 40-, 50- and 60-year recipients will be held Oct. 19. Congratulations to all MGHers who are honored this Ether Day.

For a complete listing of all honorees, see today's Hotline insert.