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 

 will be 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 

 from 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 point 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 eftect 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- 

 ness 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 

 a 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 h'iends 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 

 been quite sufficient; and we ought to discountenance any other 

 than a medical use of this singular solution ; unless indeed it should 

 be found of utility in some of the arts. He would be no benefac- 

 tor to his species, who should add a new attraction to intoxicating 

 spirit. — Editor. 



Vol. XXI.— No. 1. 9 



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