ahs, 
Chloric Ether. 65 
By re-distilling the product from a great excess of chloride of 
lime, in a glass retort, in a water bath, a greatly concentrated solution 
willbe obtained. This new product is caustic, and intensely sweet 
and aromatic. By distilling solution of chloric ether from carbonate 
of potash, the product is concentrated and refined. By distilling it 
m Caustic potash, the ether is decomposed, and muriate of potash 
is thrown down, while the distilled product consists of alcohol. 
During the last six months, a great number of persons have drunk 
of the solution of chloric ether in my laboratory, not only very freely 
but frequently to the poigt of intoxication; and so far as I have ob- 
served, it has appeared to be singularly grateful, both to the palate 
and stomach, producing promptly a lively flow of animal spirits, and 
Consequent loquacity ; and leaving, after its operation, little of that 
depression consequent to the use of ardent spirits. ‘This free use of 
the article has been permitted, in order to ascertain the effect of it in 
full doses on the healthy subject; and thus to discover, as far as such 
trials would do, its probable value as a medicine. From the invari- 
ably agreeable effects of it on persons in health and the delicious- 
hess of its flavor, it would seem to promise much as a remedy in 
Cases requiring a safe, quick, energetic, and palatable stimulus. For 
drinking, it requires an equal bulk of water. 
Remarks.—Mr. Guthrie states in a letter to the editor, that his at- 
tention was called to this subject by the suggestion in Vol. II, p. 20, of 
the Yale College Elements of Chemistry, that the alcoholic solution of 
the chloric ether is a grateful diffusive stimulant, and that as it admits 
of any degree of dilution, it may probably be introduced into medi- 
cine. Mr. Guthrie’s method of preparing it is ingenious, economi- 
cal and original, and the etherized spirit which he has forwarded as 
4 sample, is exactly analogous, in sensible properties, to the solution 
made in the manner described in the above work. We shall take 
Care to distribute portions among our medical friends for experiment, 
and as chlorine possesses so many peculiar powers, it is not impos- 
sible that this combination may prove curative or restorative, beyond 
what belongs to properties merely stimulating. 
In this latter respect, Mr. Guthrie’s experiments have certainly 
“e quite sufficient; and we ought to discountenance any other 
na of this singular solution ; “— a heer: 
Y in some of the arts. He wou e n 
to his Species, who should add a new attraction to intoxicating 
SPItit—Epiror. 
Vol. XXIL—N6. 1. 9 
