Episode Two
A Question of Attribution
Horace Wells’ demonstration of the pain relieving effects of nitrous oxide in Boston had been a disaster, but his old colleague William Morton saw an opportunity. Seeking the help of the eminent scientist Charles Jackson, he organises his own demonstration with one major difference. Morton’s demonstration would set the foundation for modern anaesthesia. But it also makes us think about what constitutes a title to a discovery, whether patients are ever a means to an end, and what new and expensive drugs mean to healthcare systems with limited resources.
Guests:
With additional voice talent from:
Music by:
Dr Warren M Zapol, MD
Reginald Jenney Professor, Anaesthesia, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Professor Deborah Bowman
Professor of Law and Medical Ethics, St George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London
Horace Wells was voiced by Adam Unze. Adam is the host of the podcast ‘The Spark Parade’, where he geeks out with artists and entertainers about their spark of cultural inspiration.
Nicola Chang