Peirson, A. L. (Abel Lawrence), 1794-1853

Peirson (Harvard, M.D. 1816) was a surgeon in Essex County, Mass. and wrote the first published account of the use of ether in surgical operations outside of Massachusetts General Hospital. He received his B.A. from Harvard in 1812, then studied medicine with James Jackson, and attended Harvard Medical School. In 1832 he traveled in Europe, studying in Paris and elsewhere, and learning ascultation and other techniques. On his return to Salem, Mass. he specialized in surgery and was consultant to the Massachusetts General Hospital beginning in 1839. He edited the Medical Magazine (Boston), with J. B. Flint, Elisha Bartlett and A. A. Gould during its publication life, 1832-1835. He was killed in a train wreck at Norwalk, Conn. on May 6, 1853.

From the description of Papers of Abel Lawrence Peirson, 1812-1905 (inclusive), 1812-1866 (bulk). (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 122506460