183 



also much smaller, from thirty drops to a drachm being generally 

 sufficient — and 3'i of chloroform being equal in strength to Siv of 

 ether. 



The odour and taste of chloroform are also said to be more agree- 

 able, and the bronchial irritation produced by inhalation less than 

 with ether. 



These and other supposed advantages are claimed for chloroform, 

 and have been considered sufficient by many surgeons to give it the 

 precedence, as an anaesthetic over its predecessor. How far this 

 confidence may be deserved, future experience must determine. We 

 know of several American surgeons who, after repeated trials with 

 chloroform, have returned to the ether with renewed confidence in 

 its superior safety and its equal efficacy. We shall quote the senti- 

 ments of these gentlemen in another part of this report, hoping that 

 the observations of another year will determine the relative merits 

 of these two articles, or that others may be discovered of still greater 

 value. 



Having thus endeavoured to present a brief sketch of the history 

 of the introduction of ether and chloroform into surgical practice, 

 your committee will proceed, in the same brief manner, to state some 

 of the more prominent phenomena which mark the action of these 

 agents upon the system. For a more full exposition of this part of 

 the subject, they must refer to the several able treatises upon the 

 physiological action of anaesthetic agents, which have recently ap- 

 peared; and to the very interesting paper of Dr. Bigelow, which 

 accompanies this report. Their object is only to notice some of the 

 effects of these agents, as they are influenced by idiosyncrasy or 

 temperament, as these have direct reference to the question of their 

 applicability to surgical practice. 



Although the general effects produced by the inhalation of ether 

 are similar, yet peculiarity of temperament, and particular states of 

 the system, have an important influence in modifying the pheno- 

 mena which manifest themselves. In this respect these agents pre- 

 sent a striking analogy to anodynes and stimulants generally. 



While in most individuals, inhalation will produce calmness, repose 

 and sound sleep, placing the patient in a favourable condition for 

 operative procedures; in others, the same article administered in the 

 same way, will produce high nervous excitement, great restlessness, 

 and even convulsions, rendering it necessary to postpone the pro- 

 jected operation. Though the general effect is to destroy pain, 

 instances occasionally happen where it is impossible to produce this 



