ETHER 165 



External and Local Action. Since ether evaporates very 

 rapidly it produces extreme cold and anesthesia. The surface to 

 which it is applied is white and bloodless from constriction of the 

 bloodvessels and, if applied in the form of a spray, sufficient anes- 

 thesia will be produced for slight operations. If reasonable care is 

 not taken in its application as a spray the skin may be frozen. If 

 rubbed into the skin or if evaporation is prevented by a covering, 

 ether is irritant. 



Digestive Tract. In the mouth and stomach ether has an 

 action similar to alcohol and chloroform. It causes a burning sen- 

 sation in the mouth and salivation, increases the gastric secretion, 

 movements and dilates the blood vessels. Consequently it is a car- 

 minative and may aid digestion. Soon after reaching the stomach 

 it reflexly stimulates the heart, causing an increase in the rate " and 

 force of that organ and an increase in blood pressure, which per- 

 sists for some little time. Ether is a good example of a diffusible 

 or reflex stimulant. 



Circulatory System. It is a reflex heart stimulant as i dis- 

 cussed above. Under anesthesia, there may be a slight rise of blood 

 pressure for a short time, but this soon reaches the normal condi- 

 tion or goes slightly below normal. 



Respiratory System. Ether is a reflex stimulant of the res- 

 piratory system at first, increasing the rate and depth of the resj)ira- 

 tions. After absorption of ordinary amounts there is no appreciable 

 effect, but large amounts, as in anesthesia, depress the respiratory 

 center. The usual cause of death is asphyxia from respiratory 

 paralysis. 



Eye. The pupil is first dilated. In stupor it is contracted as 

 in sleep; in anesthesia, mildly dilated; and in collapse, widely 

 dilated. 



Elimination. This is rapid. It is mostly eliminated by the 

 lungs. 



Kidneys. During anesthesia there is inhibition of the forma- 

 tion of urine, due to the contracted condition of the arterioles. 

 After anesthesia, diuresis takes place. Albumen and acetone are 

 frequently found in the urine for two or three days after anes- 

 thesia. 



Nervous System. 



Ether produces such similar results and the stages of anesthesia 

 are so similar to those of chloroform that they need not be again dis- 

 cussed. The following differences should be made : 



1. Chloroform is the more powerful anesthetic. 



2. Chloroform paralyzes the heart much more frequently. 



3. The above holds true for the vasomotor, and respiratory 



centers. 



4. Ether is more irritating to the bronchial mucous membrane 



