In 1826, ether was first used as an anesthetic in surgical procedures, marking a significant advancement in medical science. This innovation occurred in the United States, where it began to change the landscape of surgery and patient care. The use of ether allowed for more complex and humane surgical interventions, impacting public perceptions of medicine and health.

The introduction of anesthesia influenced poets and writers to explore themes of suffering, mortality, and the human experience in their works. Poets like John Keats, who grappled with themes of life and death, found new avenues for expression in the context of medical advancements.