About This Stamp
The 2-cent Famous American Scientists stamp issued April 8, 1940 features Dr. Crawford W. Long (1815–1878). A physician in rural Georgia, Dr. Long was the first to use sulphuric ether as a surgical anesthetic. He had experienced recreational use of ether while in medical school, observing that users felt no pain from injuries sustained during the episode. After using ether successfully on a number of his patients, he published the results, which led to the medical profession's widespread use of this general anesthesia.
First Day of Issue Ceremony
First Day of Issue Date: April 8, 1940
First Day of Issue Location: Jefferson, Georgia