On 2015 Jun 14, Preben Berthelsen commented:

In this editorial, Prof Matthay contents that the paper by Blodgett: The continuous inhalation of oxygen in cases of pneumonia otherwise fatal, and in other diseases. (Boston Med Surg J 1890;123:481-) is the first report on oxygen therapy. Blodgett’s case story is indeed interesting and heart-breaking but it is not a first – and Blodgett certainly does not claim priority in his paper.

Fifty years earlier, in “On Asphyxia, and on the Resuscitation of Stillborn Children”(a paper read at the Westminster Medical Society, London, October 16, 1841 and printed in Boston Med Surg J 1842;25:409-) John Snow states on page 414 “Oxygen gas is sometimes mixed with air to be thrown into the lungs of asphyxiated persons” And, “if it is deemed advisable, oxygen gas can be generated in great purity, in a few minutes, from chlorate of potash by means of a spirit-lamp and a small retort” Furthermore, “No harm can arise from thus using oxygen.”

I do not know if John Snow – the first academic anaesthetist in the world – was also the first to advocate oxygen treatment.

P.G.Berthelsen, MD. Charlottenlund, Denmark

On 2015 Jun 14, Preben Berthelsen commented:

In this editorial, Prof Matthay contents that the paper by Blodgett: The continuous inhalation of oxygen in cases of pneumonia otherwise fatal, and in other diseases. (Boston Med Surg J 1890;123:481-) is the first report on oxygen therapy. Blodgett’s case story is indeed interesting and heart-breaking but it is not a first – and Blodgett certainly does not claim priority in his paper.

Fifty years earlier, in “On Asphyxia, and on the Resuscitation of Stillborn Children”(a paper read at the Westminster Medical Society, London, October 16, 1841 and printed in Boston Med Surg J 1842;25:409-) John Snow states on page 414 “Oxygen gas is sometimes mixed with air to be thrown into the lungs of asphyxiated persons” And, “if it is deemed advisable, oxygen gas can be generated in great purity, in a few minutes, from chlorate of potash by means of a spirit-lamp and a small retort” Furthermore, “No harm can arise from thus using oxygen.”

I do not know if John Snow – the first academic anaesthetist in the world – was also the first to advocate oxygen treatment.

P.G.Berthelsen, MD. Charlottenlund, Denmark