Ether Monument
Interesting Facts about the Ether Monument
The Ether Monument, is a statue and fountain near the northwest corner of Boston's Public Garden, near the intersection of Arlington Street and Marlborough Street. It commemorates the first use of Ether in anesthesia in 1846.
Things that I learned about the Ether Monument
- Created by John Quincy Adams Ward, in 1868, its the second sculpture that he worked on.
- The only Statue/Fountain combination in the Public Gardens.
- Monument is also known as the Good Samaritan Monument
- The fountain water is turned on the same time as the Boston Public Garden Lagoon is turned on. The third Sunday of April.
- The Monument is 40 feet (12 m) tall. Which is 2 feet taller than the Washington Equestrian statue. (The Equestrian statue is taller because its on a hill.)
- Its the oldest monument in the public garden, the next monument installed was the Washington Equestrian statue which was put in a year later.
- There is a lion on each side of the monument. The symbol of a lion means strength
- The figures on the top of the monument are looking away from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
- MGH has the original room (Ether Dome) where the first anesthetic was performed. The Ether Dome is open to the public.
- The distance between the Ether Monument and the Ether Dome is 0.9561 miles.
Monument Text
- Around the monument four sides are the following sayings:
- To commemorate that the inhaling of ether causes insensibility to pain. First proved to the world at the Mass. General Hospital in Boston, October A.D. MDCCCXLVI (1846)
- This also cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts which is wonderful and excellent in working. Isaiah (28:29)
- In gratitude for the relief of human suffering by the inhaling of ether a citizen of Boston has erected this monument A.D. MDCCCLXVII. (1867)
- Neither shall there be any more pain.
Park Benches
- Around the Monument are three park benches. Each of the benches has a remembrance plaque:
- Gift of New England Life
- Dedication in Loving Memory of Karl W. Johnson 1956 - 2008 We treasure the time that we had with you. With love from Ava, Erika and all of your family and friends.
- Nadya and Alan Aisenberg - Lovingly Remembered
Preserving the Monument
At the base of the monument is a plaque on the ground that reads:
Preserved with support from local citizens, Save Outdoor sculpture!, Target Stores and The National Endowment for the Arts, SOS! is a Project of Project of Heritage preservation and Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Locating the Monument
The monument is located in the North-West corner of the Boston Public Gardens. It's located near the intersection of Arlington Street and Marlborough Street. If you're on the Lagoon Bridge, walk towards the Washington Statue and turn right. Follow the path along the lagoon.