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result, either by ether or chloroform, in justifiable dose-: while there 

 arc other cases in which a very small quantity of either of tin- e 

 agents will produce :i degree of unconsciousness not to be attained 

 at all in the cases referred to. In some instances pain will be an- 

 nulled by ether, while the intellectual faculties, and even the 

 Bense of touch, will be preserved — the patient is aware of what is 

 passing, can express his wishes, and can feel the movements of the 

 surgeon, and yet the sense of pain is obliterated — while in others 

 the full impression of the article carried to the point of entire uncon- 

 sciousness, is necessary to destroy the pain, Vomiting occurs as an 

 accompaniment of etherization in a considerable number of cases, 

 while in others it is absent. The condition of the circulation varies 

 also; generally in the earlier stages of the process the circulation is 

 quickened, the pulse becoming slower as the impression of the ether 

 deepens — while in other cases it is slower from the first, or continues 

 rapid through the whole process. "When etherization has been car- 

 ried to its full extent, the phenomena are, perhaps, more uniform. 

 At this point the muscles become relaxed, the breathing is deep, 

 slow, and stertorous; the eyes are turned up, and the countenance 

 is devoid of expression, as in sound sleep. Sometimes the features 

 are so relaxed, as to exhibit the peculiar expression of idiocy or 

 drunkenness. In this stage, according to the recent observations of 

 Dr. Snow, of the University College Hospital of London, (whose 

 essay on the effects of ether inhalation contains much valuable infor- 

 mation,) the patient always remains perfectly passive under every 

 kind of operation; and as the muscles are so perfectly relaxed, this 

 is the proper time for the reduction of dislocations. iScc. This con- 

 dition would appear to those unaccustomed to it. as alarming, but, 

 according to this author and others who have practiced etherization 

 extensively, it is unattended with danger, and passes off in a few 

 minutes after the discontinuance of the inhalation. 



The causes of these varied effects arc not well understood, and 

 may furnish an objection to the general employment of these agents, 

 by rendering their administration in some instances improper, 

 or even dangerous. And it is only by the future observations of 

 physicians of calm judgment ami of enlightened experience, that we 



are to look for rubs which shall regulate their employment, and 

 shall indicate the class of cases to which they arc inapplicable. 



As it relate- to the Safety of the practice of etherization: your 

 committee have before remarked that a difference of opinion still 

 exists. 



