684 
ETHER SUPERSEDED. 
form was first accurately ascertained by Dumas, the celebrated 
French chymist, in 1835, but Souberain and Liebig had previously 
been engaged in similar investigations, and so far with success. 
These inquiries, however, were solely directed with a view to the 
extension of the chymical science. “ They had (observed Pro- 
fessor Simpson) no idea that the substance to which they called 
the attention of their chymical brethren could or would be turned 
to any practical purpose, or that it possessed any physiological or 
therapeutic effects upon the animal economy.” To Professor 
Simpson, therefore, belongs the honour of discovering its wonderful 
anaesthetic properties, and of having first ventured to apply it to 
the relief of suffering humanity. Its advantages over ether are so 
varied and palpable that the latter may be considered as already 
superseded. “ It is a dense, limpid, colourless liquid, readily 
evaporating, and possessing an agreeable, fragrant, fruit-like 
odour, and a saccharine, pleasant taste.” As an inhaled and 
anaesthetic agent, it possesses over sulphuric ether the following 
advantages : — 1st. A much less quantity will produce the same 
effect. 2d. A more rapid, complete, and generally more persist- 
ent action, with less preliminary excitement and tendency to exhi- 
laration and talking. 3d. The inhalation is far more agreeable 
and pleasant than that of ether. 4th. As a smaller quantity is 
used, the application is less expensive, which becomes an im- 
portant consideration if brought into general use. 5th. Its perfume 
is not unpleasant, but the reverse, and more evanescent. 6th and 
7th. No particular instrument or inhaler is necessary; it is quite 
portable ; and all that is required is to diffuse a little of the liquid 
upon a hollow-shaped sponge, or even the pocket-handkerchief, 
and apply the same over the mouth and nostrils, so as to be fully 
inhaled. Professor Simpson has since his discovery applied it 
frequently to obstetric practice, and with entire success; but it has 
last week been applied for the first time by Professor Miller and 
Dr. Duncan to surgical operations. A great concourse of medical 
men and students witnessed the result in the Royal Infirmary ; 
Professor Dumas, of Paris, to whom we have already referred, 
also being present. 
I have to day employed the new anaesthetic agent, intro- 
duced by Professor Simpson, as a substitute for ether in surgical 
operations, with the most perfect success. The first case was that 
of a young lady, fourteen years of age, who inhaled the chloroform 
