When did the first successful use of anesthesia occur, and who was the doctor?

The first successful use of anesthesia occurred in 1846, when William Morton demonstrated the effective application of ether during a surgical procedure at Massachusetts General Hospital. This marked a significant breakthrough in medicine, as it alleviated pain during surgery and allowed for more complex and lengthy operations without causing suffering to the patient. Morton's demonstration is considered a cornerstone in the history of anesthesia, showcasing its potential to transform surgical practices.

In contrast, John Snow is known for his work in anesthesia, particularly with chloroform, but that was after Morton's pioneering use of ether. Karl Landsteiner's contributions, while critically important in blood typing and transfusion medicine, are not related to anesthesia. Joseph Lister is remembered for his advancements in surgical antiseptics, which improved surgical outcomes, but he was not involved in the development of anesthesia. Hence, Morton's successful use of ether in 1846 is the accurate answer to the question.