2 EFFECTS OF CHLOROFORM ON THE HORSE. 
with a view of rendering the inhalation more effective, of his own 
accord at this time pressed the muzzle upwards, and so forced the 
sponges against the nostrils, a compression which caused the liquid 
to drop out from below ; scarcely, however, had this been done 
twice, when the animal, who had that moment been manifesting 
some increased vivacity, all at once threw up his head, became 
vertiginous, staggered from side to side, and in a moment after- 
wards reared up, and, in convulsion, reeled backward from the 
middle of the school, where he had been standing, against the 
panelled side of it behind him, striking his head against the panels 
with a force truly tremendous, frightening every person around 
him. The groom, holding the rope of the cavesson, exerted himself 
to save the animal, and in his efforts, fortunately perhaps for the 
horse at the moment, hauled cavesson, and bridle, and muzzle 
together off the animal’s head, the only hold remaining being the 
retention of the snaffle bit within the mouth, and that was owing 
to the clenching of the jaws. At this period the horse had the 
aspect of one momentarily struck with tetanus. There was the wild, 
senseless, ghastly stare ; the stiff outstretched limbs : the body 
remaining supported by its hind quarters against the boards. And 
now the animal was pricked about the neck and body with a 
pin, but evinced not the slightest feeling ; nor did even his lips 
exhibit more than a convulsive twitch when they were likewise 
punctured. His pupils were dilated. His pulse was distinct 
though weak at the jaw, and was not in the first instance acce- 
lerated, though it rose considerably afterwards. Not more than 
half a minute elapsed after the sponges were pressed against his 
nostrils before the animal shewed himself affected by the chlo- 
roform ; and in the next half minute he was in convulsions. In 
consequence of the muzzle having come off in the act of reeling, 
total insensibility did not continue longer than about a couple of 
minutes. From that time the pulse gradually but rapidly increased 
in frequency, quickly becoming 60,80, 100, and 120; while all the 
time consciousness and sensibility were found returning, and along 
with it unnatural heat of skin over every part of the body. In 
about five minutes after sensibility had returned, the animal 
appeared and proved sufficiently recovered to have his bridle and 
cavesson adjusted, and to be walked slowly round the school. In 
half an hour afterwards he had returned to his stable, and was 
eating with his wonted appetite his noon feed ; nor did he appear 
aught the worse in any respect whatever from the experiment that 
had been practised on him. The chloroform liquid used, which 
proved of excellent pure and effective quality, was obtained from 
Mr. Hooper, chemist, Pall Mall East. 
