ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION OF THE METHYL COMPOUNDS. 49 



state what compounds of the methyl series arc about to engage our attention, 

 and what is their nature and derivation. 



The most common methyl-compound, that, in fact, which came first to the 

 use of the world at large, is what is called methyl-alcohol or wood-spirit- 

 naphtha, — a substance which comes over in combination with water during the 

 dry distillation of wood. Chemically considered, this and all the other bodies 

 of the series are constructed on a radical called methyl. This radical, whicli 

 has only been isolated by one or two observers, exists as a permanent gas. Its 

 composition, according to the new formula, is C H^. 



Prom this radical we have handed to us by the chemist two sets of com- 

 pounds. In one set we have the radical acting as a base, producing by com- 

 bination with other elements bodies which may be taken as the analogues of 

 salts. In the second set we have the carbon continuing steady, but the hy- 

 drogen replaced by some other element. For convenience sake, I will place 

 such compounds as I have studied physiologically in two groups, as fol- 

 lows : — 



Groxtp (A). 



Methylic alcohol TT l ^* 



Hydride of methyl 1 P TT IT 



Marsh-gas — firedamp J ^ 



Chloride of methyl CH3CI. 



Iodide of methyl C H, I. 



Bromide of methyl C H, Br. 



Acetate of methyl l n TT^ r ^" 



Methylic ether { CH' I ^* 



Nitrite of methyl C H^, NO^. 



Nitrate of methyl | ^^' \ 0. 



Geoup (B). 



Chloroform C H CI3. 



Tetrachloride of carbon C Clj. 



Bichloride of methylene C H., Cl^. 



Physiological action op Methy'lic Alcohol. 



The methylic alcohol used was the pure alcohol. It is a colourless spirit, 

 its specific gravity 0-810, its boiling-point 140° Pahr. The physiological ac- 

 tion may be obtained either by dii-ect administration witli water, or by inha- 

 lation of the vapour. When the methylic alcohol is thus administered so as 

 to produce distinct efi'ects, the first symptoms are those of excitement followed 

 by languor. These symptoms are succeeded by laboured breathing, and soon 

 by gaspings, and by deep sighs which occur at intervals of about foiu: 

 seconds. There is evidenced upon this, want of power in the limbs with rol- 

 ling movements on the side and complete intoxication. Prom this time, if 

 the dose of the alcohol is continued, the animal lapses into utter prostration, 

 and the breathing becomes blowing, with what is technically called bron- 

 chial rale, due to the passage of air through fluid in the finer bronchial pas- 

 sages. Throughout all these stages of intoxication there is imperfect 



1867. E 



