Early attempts at medical anesthesia using plant extracts were unsuccessful as they caused harmful side effects. In the late 18th century, gases like nitrous oxide were used but were not strong enough for surgery. William Morton developed a new method of anesthesia using sulfuric ether in 1846, which proved successful. Concurrently, Crawford Long developed an anesthetic using diethyl ether and published his findings in 1849, becoming known as the father of anesthesiology. Modern surgeons have several types of anesthesia available depending on the procedure, including local, regional, and general anesthesia.