Recently researching a Maryport-built vessel I found the following article, the diplomatic understatement in the last sentence causing me to smile: The Liverpool Mercury, Tuesday, 25th May 1847 " Painless operation in Turkey - on the 5th ult., as the mate belonging to the Science, of Liverpool, was discharging her cargo at the Custom-house wharf, Constantinople, a large bale of merchandise fell on him, and broke his pelvis (hip bone). His agony was very great, and he could not stir hand or foot without great torture. Dr.Glascott, of the British hospital, was sent for, who, with the assistance of Dr.Smith, administered the sulphuric ether most successfully. The man had not inhaled for more than a minute when all sense of pain vanished, and Dr.Glascott then placed the bones in opposition, one of the most painful operations in surgery, during which time the patient talked incoherently, making use of several nautical terms." Tim Latham www.mightyseas.co.uk