In what year was surgical anesthesia introduced?

The introduction of surgical anesthesia in 1846 marked a significant milestone in medical history, fundamentally changing surgical practices and improving patient outcomes. This year is commonly associated with the first public demonstration of ether anesthesia by dentist William Morton at Massachusetts General Hospital. Morton’s successful use of ether to render a patient insensible to pain during surgery not only showcased the efficacy of anesthetics but also led to widespread acceptance of anesthesia as a vital component of surgical procedures. Prior to this, surgeries were conducted without anesthesia, which often resulted in immense pain and suffering for patients. The advent of surgical anesthesia allowed for longer and more complex surgeries, drastically enhancing surgical techniques and patient care.

The other years mentioned do not correspond to the introduction of surgical anesthesia. The year 1803 is associated with early experiments in pharmacology but not with the clinical use of anesthesia. The year 1901 and 1990 are much later dates that do not reflect pivotal moments in the initial development and application of surgical anesthesia, but rather post-date its establishment. Thus, 1846 is the correct answer, as it signifies the beginning of modern surgical practices through the introduction of anesthesia.