The MGH surgical amphitheater, completed in 1885, was located in a separate building behind the hospital's east pavilion and connected by a ramp. The operating theater could seat 200 and was located on the second floor of the amphitheater. Skylights 35 feet above the operating floor helped supply the lighting. The space beneath the sides of the amphitheater was used for an orthopedic clinic and for isolation needs. Note the gauze strainers on water faucets, conditions of the floors, few instruments, wooden handled knives, lack of gloves, gowns donned after removal of suit coats, and bottles for antiseptic solutions. The surgeons pictured here are Dr. George H. Cummings and Dr. Herbert Henry Brock.

Maine General Hospital is the predecessor of Maine Medical Center.