140 
ON THE VAPOUR OF /ETHER. 
to insensibility, or, in some cases, subsequent to it : I and many 
others vomited on recovering from the stupor. The specific influ- 
ence of aether is also exemplified in its often magical effects on colic ; 
but it is important to think that an agent which acts as a narcotic 
to the sympathetic, proves likewise stimulant to the cerebral 
system. A thought of such opposite influences may help to dis- 
cover the laws that should regulate the application of the agent 
which induces them, and, if my suggestion be correct, it may lead 
us to find out means to counteract the action in that direction which 
is not desirable. Aether surely might be combined with other 
medicinals. Its efficacy, as an ordinary drug, is increased when 
it is conjoined with opium. The fumes of the two could be simul- 
taneously administered, and, perhaps, under some such combina- 
tion, the benefits of a discovery be enlarged by rendering every 
description of temperament subject to its influence. The matter 
certainly demands investigation, for the application of aether to 
destroy pain should be regarded as the announcement of a principle, 
not the declaration of a fact. A problem is given which it is the 
duty of science to work out, not a wonder created for professors to 
amuse the curious with. 
Deeply now do I regret that there is not a proper veterinary 
college established in this country ; severely, I fear, the want of 
such an institution will be felt by the public. Were there such a 
place in existence, there the inquiry ought to be conducted. Law- 
ful experiments, seeking the alleviation of misery, might then be 
largely made upon animals — not cruelties, but efforts designed to 
lessen pain. Now, because no college of veterinary science exists, 
the trial will be made upon the poor, and human life be rendered 
the medium of eliciting the knowledge which animal existence is 
fitted to afford. The slowness of the process also renders it objec- 
tionable : the human practitioner is beset with fears which make 
him tediously cautious. Ages may elapse before the information 
which, under better circumstances, a month might confirm, will be 
gained. A veterinary college, connected as it ought to be with 
medical science, is at the present time seriously wanted, and I hope 
the day is not far distant when we shall see some such institution 
founded. 
That the discovery of the power of sethereal vapour is a blessing 
to mankind, no man in his senses could deny ; it takes us by sur- 
prise, and renders language unequal to the expression of the grati- 
tude it calls forth. Before this discovery all others to me appear 
but small : I wonder and admire, but I would not therefore think 
all had been accomplished and nothing remained to do. Mighty 
deeds should be the excitants to activity, and what America has 
produced England should strive to perfect. 
