CEREBRAL DEPRESSANTS. 127 



pulse, and also tends to relieve cough and other irri- 

 tability. 



For special instructions on the use of ether as a 

 general anaesthetic, see under Chloroform. Local 

 anaesthesia, suflBcient for performing short opera- 

 tions, such as inserting setons, opening abscesses or 

 fistulsB, tendenotomy, neurotomy, etc., may be pro- 

 duced by ether spray to the part, the amount required 

 being from one to one and one-half ounces ; but for 

 these purposes cocaine is now generally preferred. 

 It may also be injected hypodermically when imme- 

 diate effects are required. Externally ether is some- 

 times combined with liniments as an anodyne and 

 stimulant, but must be carefully employed on account 

 of its highly inflammable nature. 



Spiritus setheris nitrosi is a carminative, antispas- 

 modic, general stimulant, a very good diaphoretic 

 and diuretic, and is extensively used in influenza, 

 various fevers, pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma, colic. 

 It is excreted chiefly by the kidneys and skin ; hence 

 its diaphoretic and diuretic actions are very marked. 

 It should be given always well diluted. 



Chlokofoemum — Chloroform. 



Chloroform, or methyl terchloride — CHOlj — is pre- 

 pared by the action of chlorinated lime upon alcohol, 

 is purified (1) by repeated agitation with water, 

 which washes away saline, acid, and some organic 

 impurities; (3) shaking with sulphuric acid (free 

 from nitric acid), which chars and removes the last 



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