Dk. Buchanan on tJie Effects of the Inhalation of Ether. 157 



description, but their more prominent effects are, in the first place, an 

 exhilaration and excitement of mind, which gradually passes into a state 

 of narcotism or stupefaction : and in the second place, excitement and 

 in\ igoration of tho action of the heart, which seems to continue through- 

 out; for tho feebleness in the heart's motions, which comes on in deep 

 intoxication, is, probably, the consequence of tho narcotised state of tho 

 brain. 



Tho effects of ether may be described in tho very same words. This 

 the identity of composition of the two substances might have led us to 

 anticipate; for alcohol is just tho hydrate of ether, or ether plus an atom 

 of water — tho two bodies not differing in composition moro than oil of 

 vitriol does from anhydrous sulphuric acid. The moment the dry acid 

 comes into contact with water, it is converted into oil of vitriol; and ether, 

 when kept long in contact with water, (Lievig,) is converted into alcohol. 



There is, however, a difference in the physical qualities of the two 

 substances, which renders each of them only adapted to a certain mode of 

 administration. 



Alcohol is miscible, in all proportions, with water, and forms a palatable 

 ami too insinuating beverage. It is thus well adapted for administration 

 by taking it into the stomach — while it is far less volatile than ether, 

 and, therefore, is less adapted for inhalation. 



Ether, on the other hand, is not miscible with water, unless the latter 

 be in great excess (1 ether to 10 water.) Hence it is not adapted to be 

 administered by taking it into the stomach; for its hotness cannot be 

 overcome by dilution, and it acts as a violent local irritant. How much 

 less alcohol would be consumed, if it could only be drunk in the form of 

 a highly rectified spirit, and its fiery qualities could not be corrected by 

 dilution ! Physicians seldom prescribe more than from one to two drachms 

 of ether — a quantity quite insufficient to develope any narcotic effects. I 

 have known seven drachms of it taken ; but it produced, at the pit of the 

 stomach, a most uneasy sensation of heat and pain, which only the callous 

 stomach of a dram-drinker could stand. As a dram, ether might answer 

 very well ; and it is for a similar purpose that it is usually prescribed in 

 medicine — as a carminative, and not as a narcotic. 



Ether, on the contrary, from its high volatility, is admirably adapted 

 to be administered by inhalation. It boils at 96° Fahr. The heat of tho 

 hand is sufficient to make it fly off in vapour. Alcohol, again, is far less 

 adapted to this mode of administration. Kven when rectified to the utter- 

 most, it only boils at a temperature of 173° Fahr.; and if less strong, the 

 temperature must bo higher. Still, however, the inhalation of the vapour 

 of alcohol will produce narcotism, although with less rapidity than ether. 



It is, 1 believe, to this difference of physical qualities, in the two sub- 

 stances, and in the mode of administering them which is the consequence 

 of it, that the differences in the physiological effects of alcohol and ether 

 are mainly to be ascribed; and not to any actual difference in their modes 

 of action upon the human body. 



