ON CHLOROFORM. 
203 
small animals, chiefly the speedy and apparently easy transition from 
life to death in those animals, when confined in an atmosphere of 
chloroform, the idea immediately arose to my mind, whether simi- 
lar effects might not be produced on larger animals by the same 
powerful agency ? On further reflection, I am induced to submit 
the question, not only to the practical class immediately concerned, 
but to the scientific inventors and introducers of the various im- 
portances which have lately conferred wealth, power, and pre- 
eminence particularly upon this country. May not all the cruelty 
now inflicted upon animals doomed to destruction for our use — may 
not all the violent, offensive operations in the slaughter-house be 
rendered unnecessary and superseded — may not the inflictors and 
the sufferers both be relieved by the simple introduction of cloro- 
form 1 
Unlike many recent discoveries; unlike quinine, morphia, and 
the other alkaloids, obtained with difficulty, and from expensive 
materials, chloroform, obtained by a simple process and from ma- 
terials not costly, is now prepared largely and cheaply in London. 
A confined space — a cellar for example — could easily be filled with 
an atmosphere of chloroform ; a score of sheep could be turned into 
the cellar, the door closed upon them ; after a little excitement they 
would fall into unconsciousness*, insensibility, and death; all in a 
short space of time, of about half-an-hour. A second and a third 
score could be similarly served in the same atmosphere, or with a 
little additional chloroform. 
So with the larger animals : they might require, perhaps, a little 
more care, as liable to more excitement at first. Chloroform, trans- 
parent, clear, has an extraordinary sweetness, a peculiar etherial 
flavour — is heavier than water, and sinks in it, though powerful — is 
very manageable, and of easy evaporation. 
On inquiring of a practical man whether he thought the meat 
might be affected by this mode of killing, he thought not ; but if 
affected at all, he thought it would be beneficially. Animals are 
fond of sugar and sweetness : their meat would be more likely to 
be improved than injured by the sweetness and peculiar flavor of 
the chloroform. Hams are improved by previous sugar, and by 
penetrating juniper. 
As in all other researches, trials, practice, experience, are here 
necessary, and can alone answer the questions or give the informa- 
tion required. No science, however extensive, can tell beforehand 
what will happen in any chemical operation. 
*** In the above philanthropic suggestions we trace, if we mis- 
take not, “ the writing on the wall ” of an old comrade, and a truly 
estimable friend. — Ed. Yet. 
