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enhance its cumulative effects. Such theory suggests a considera- 

 tion of practical importance. That in the use of chloroform a 

 moderate dose should be inhaled gradually and not at once. 



It is obvious, too, that the agency of heat to promote its eva- 

 poration, must increase the chance of danger. I think it may be 

 laid down as a rule that a drachm of chloroform, at ordinary tempe- 

 ratures, suffices for a gradual inhalation of three minutes in the 

 average adult. In recognizing a possible danger from an instanta- 

 neous and powerful dose on the one hand, it must not be forgotten 

 that many of the unpleasant symptoms of the anaesthetic state are 

 undoubtedly induced, and aggravated by protracted and futile at- 

 tempts to produce insensibility, with an insufficient dose. Expe- 

 rience shows that after the first few minutes, and with due regard 

 to the condition of the pulse, it is safe to increase the quantity of 

 ether or of chloroform, until the inspired air is fully saturated, and 

 the patient fairly narcotized. 



If there is any one consideration calculated to arrest attention 

 in the history of etherization, it is, that although the anaesthetic 

 agents have been open to liberal use in every part of the civilized 

 world, whether experimentally, ignorantly, or carelessly ; although 

 thousands have experienced their good effects; and although the 

 physiologist, the ether opponent, and the coroner, have been equally 

 ready to seize upon and to exaggerate any case of accident that 

 might seem to fall within their range; yet it is probable that the 

 number of cases, thus publicly suspected, have been less than ten, 

 while the only conclusive instance of direct relation between an anae- 

 sthetic agent and death are two in number. Can antimony or opium 

 show as clean a bill of health for the same period? 



