192 



duced by tlic long-continued irritation of the ether upon the deli- 

 cate structure of the lungs. I have stated all the circumstances 

 which might tend to modify that conclusion. 



But viewed in any aspect, I cannot see how this or any unfavour- 

 able case reported, can militate against the general use of ether. 

 Like all powerful and efficient remedial agents, there must be some 

 cases to which it is not suited, and were Ave to reject this account, we 

 might, with equal propriety, dismiss from the materia medica many 

 of our most useful and indispensable agents. 



I am convinced that its use has saved many lives, and enabled 

 many patients to safely bear severe operations, which otherwise they 

 could not have done. In the other case of lithotomy, which I per- 

 formed under its influence, I am satisfied this was the result. In 

 that instance, a boy of 9 years old, the patient was in such a 

 wretched condition that I do not think he could have borne the 

 slightest shock to the system. And with the assistance of the ether 

 there was none whatever perceptible, though I was obliged to 

 crush the stone in the bladder, as it was too large to come through 

 the bones of the pelvis, and the operation, owing to the unexpecte I 

 difficulty, and my not having the requisite instruments with 

 me, was prolonged, and the patient under its influence thirty-five 

 minutes. The fragments of the stone weighed, when I reached 

 home, (the operation was performed in Luzerne Co.,) eleven drachms 

 (troy), and several drachms more must have been lost. 



The boy recovered without the slightest bad symptom ; the wound 

 was entirely healed in four weeks and one day, and he is now run- 

 ning about well and sound. 



This case I have mentioned in contrast with the unfortunate one 

 before spoken of. 



The ether, then, I am convinced from my own experience, as well 

 as that of the great body of the profession, is one of the greatest 

 blessings of our science, and each day the more confirms my opinion. 



The chloroform has, in one case, in my hands, caused dangerous 

 convulsions, and, after a fair trial, I give my preference altogether 

 to the ether. 



The best method, and the safest one, I think, of administering 

 the ether, is as done at Boston with the sponge. 



These remarks I have hastily thrown together on the spur of the 

 moment, in accordance with your request. 



Truly yours, 



J. W. B. M'CLELLAN, M.D. 

 Dr. Isaac Pafju.-ii. 



Phiiadklphia, j&prU 29th, 1S4S. 



Fatal effects following the use of chloroform have been more fre- 

 quent than from ether. Besides several cases which have occurred 

 abroad, and have been published in the foreign journals, two well 

 authenticated instances of death, under the immediate influence of 



