...that in 1800 ether was first used by partyers as a fun diversion? Sniffing the gas led to hilarious and raucous laughter as people watched each other become more and more intoxicated and silly. Several doctors independently realized the value ether would have to anesthetize surgery patients. Of those who claimed rights to the "discovery," none had a happy ending. One had a seizure and died defending his rights. Another spent his life in an asylum because he had been denied acclaim. A third became addicted to chloroform and, in a New York City jail, he soaked a cloth in the drug, severed an artery and bled to death.
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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 5455466 | Inductive coupling system for power and data transfer A system for inductively coupling power and data to a portable electronic device. A portable device, such as a personal digital assistant, is powered or recharged via an inductive link between the device and a support unit, thereby eliminating the need fo... | 10/03/1995 |