**Question:** Anaesthetic effect of ether was demonstrated by-

A. Henry Power
B. William Morton
C. William Tyrrell
D. Sir William Gowers

**Core Concept:** Ether is a volatile, flammable, and short-acting general anesthetic that was widely used in the 19th century, before modern anesthesia agents were developed. Its anesthetic effect involves the inhibition of neuronal transmission by reversibly binding to specific sites on voltage-gated sodium channels in the cell membrane, leading to a reduction in neuronal excitability.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**

The correct answer, **B.** William Morton, refers to a significant event in the history of anesthesia. On October 16, 1846, Morton demonstrated the first successful use of ether anesthesia during a tooth extraction procedure performed by Dr. Charles Jackson at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. This event marked the beginning of modern general anesthesia practice and paved the way for further research and development of safer and more effective anesthetic agents.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. **Henry Power:** Although Power was an influential scientist and surgeon, he is not associated with the discovery or demonstration of ether anesthesia. His primary contributions include his studies on blood pressure and the development of the sphygmomanometer.

C. **William Tyrrell:** While Tyrrell was a notable surgeon and professor, he is not directly linked to the discovery or demonstration of ether anesthesia. His contributions include work on surgery and anatomy.

D. **Sir William Gowers:** Gowers was a British neurologist and not directly involved in the discovery or demonstration of ether anesthesia. His significant contributions include his work on peripheral neuropathy and muscle diseases.

**Clinical Pearl:** The discovery and demonstration of ether anesthesia were a result of a combination of factors, including the efforts of anesthesiologists, surgeons, and medical researchers. It was the successful demonstration by William Morton and his team that led to the widespread adoption of ether anesthesia in the medical community, marking a significant milestone in the history of anesthesiology and surgical practice.