It is only 166 years since the first ever "no pain" surgery. A decade after Chloroform and ether were discovered to totally anesthetize patients, cocaine was found to have local anesthetic properties. The doctor who discovered this became additced and was sent to an asylum. Chemists then created many similar drugs (Novocaine, Marcaine, Pontocaine etc. etc.) and tested them to find the least toxic and non-addicting ones that we use today. So safe and effective local anesthesia is only 150 years old. Remember this next March 30th and pause for a moment of thanks to Dr. Crawford Long of Barrow Coutny Georgia. Hug a doctor today.