350 INOEGASriC AGENTS 



metal from rust, preserving leather, and is sometimes 

 employed as a vehicle for electuaries. 



Ehigolene. (ISTon-oiEcial.) 



Ehigolene is a petroleiim product prepared by repeated 

 distillation until the liquid boils at 64.4° F. It evaporates 

 at a lower temperature than any other substance, except 

 cymogene, and is employed as a spray to induce numbness 

 and local ansasthesia of a part in minor surgical operations, 

 such as paracentesis of an abscess or the use of the actual 

 cautery. 



Aethtiis Chloeidum. (U.S.P.) Cj H5 01. 



Ethyl chloride is in more common use for the same piir- 

 poses. It is a colorless, mobile, very volatile liquid; slightly 

 soluble in water but readily soluble in alcohol. It is made by 

 the action of HCl gas upon absolute ethyl alcohol. It is usu- 

 ally sold in glass tubes with a screw or lever-spring metal 

 top enabling the fluid to be sprayed upon the surface of the 

 body in any desired amount. 



On account of its great volatility and rapid evaporation 

 it abstracts heat and freezes a part, and so acts as a local 

 anaesthetic. It is convenient for minor surgical operations, 

 as opening abscess or boil, or aspiration. The vapor is very 

 inflammable. Etliyl chloride is also used to produce trans- 

 ient, general ansesthesia. 1 or 2 drachms may be used for 

 dogs. It is exceedingly rapid in its effects and a safe anses- 

 thetic for short periods. It is sprayed into the neck of a 

 funtiel, the large end being partly filled with absorbent cotton 

 and held tightly over the nose. Recovery is also extremely 

 rapid. Ethyl chloride is often sold under the name of 

 " kelene." It is used frequently as a preliminary to ether 

 in human practice and is more agreeable to inhale. Plenty 

 of air should be allowed, except at the outset. 



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