Bouv4.] 
44 
[October 6, 
It is far from my purpose to re-open a discussion upon the 
question of the relative merits of Dr. Jackson and Dr. Morton as 
claimants to the great honor of having discovered the value of 
ether as an anesthetic agent. After the publication of so many 
documents as have appeared on the part of the friends of both, 
setting forth their respective claims, it would be unprofitable labor. 
Suffice it for me, as an intimate fellow member of the Society, to 
express fully to all who in the future may seek to honor the names 
of those who have been the means of alleviating pain through all 
generations, the views and feelings of those who were best situ- 
ated to know thoroughly the man of whom I speak, and whose 
memory I mean to make dear to them. Yes, I address through 
the records of this Society, which he loved so well, not only its 
future members, but the vast multitude of men who may hereafter 
seek to learn to whom they are indebted for relief in the hours of 
anguish. As it is my special purpose to impart information to such 
respecting Dr. Jackson, I briefly call attention to several of his 
contemporaries whose opinions are cited as worhy of the highest 
respect. 
I would have all who come after us know the opinions respect- 
ing him of the members of this Society who, of all others, were 
the best situated and the best qualified to judge him and his 
merits. Among such were Mr. Francis Alger, Dr. J. B. S. Jack- 
son, and Dr. Martin Gay, all eminent, not only in their own chosen 
calling, but whose liberal culture and unwearied interest- in the 
cause of natural history made them prominent among the 
distinguished scientific men of the day. Mr. Alger was one of the 
original founders of this Society, well known as an able mineral- 
ogist, and as the author of a valuable work on Mineralogy. Of 
Dr. J. B. S. Jackson, who was not connected by kindred with the 
subject of these * remarks, it would be unnecessary to speak, if 
only the minds of the present generation were to be appealed to, 
for his character, his ability, and his opportunity to form a good 
judgment on points under consideration, are too well known to 
all the older members. But for those who are to succeed us, let 
it be said that no man among his contemporaries of the Society 
inspired more sincere regard and respect. In the language of the 
tribute paid by me to his memory, when he was taken from us by 
