488 OBSERVATIONS ON ETHER AND CHLOROFORM. 
vitality is in the part increased. When in the lungs, the increased 
action of the heart and breath demonstrate that the vital principle 
is labouring under a morbid influence which amounts to positive 
irritability. When in the brain, it is preceded by unnatural sensi- 
bility, and only in its after consequence is disguised by its effect 
on the sensorium. The ether, by acting as a sedative on the sym- 
pathetic system, I imagine, relaxes the capillaries, and thereby 
allows them to disgorge the excess of blood with which they are 
clogged. It is in this manner, I suppose, it produces its anti- 
phlogistic effect. During inflammation, congestion always is pre- 
sent; and by subduing that, the inflammation is also conquered. 
But, beyond this, I conjecture it has a further power ; for by its 
sedative influence over the sympathetic nerves, it checks that 
tendency to an abnormal secretion which is the attendant and most 
fatal consequence upon inflammation. 
My observations upon the effects of ether have led to the opinion 
that there are in existence a class of medicines which have been 
too much neglected and too little studied. Among this class is 
also chloroform, which I am not aware has been administered inter- 
nally. In a recent case, however, when the symptoms appeared 
desperate, I ventured to employ it ; and if further trials corroborate 
the result I then obtained, there can be no doubt chloroform will 
ultimately take an important place in the Pharmacopoeia. 
For the information of my professional brethren, I am tempted 
to make the history of that case known. I do so because, in pri- 
vate practice, it frequently happens that a considerable period 
elapses before the opportunities which a hospital commands are met 
with. Sometimes case after case of a similar description follow in 
rapid succession ; but on other occasions months may pass before 
the practitioner may be called upon to treat the most ordinary 
affection. There can be no certainty in this respect, and therefore 
I am induced to invite the members of our College to try the agent 
from which I have every reason to conclude the greatest advan- 
tage was secured. 
On the evening of July 21st I was summoned in haste to see a 
horse, the property of a gentleman who resides in my neighbour- 
hood. The animal was in good condition, and in constant work. 
I found him in a loose box, surrounded by several persons anxiously 
watching him. The breathing was short and rapid to an unusual 
degree. As the symptoms were urgent, I made no attempt to 
count it, but I should say it could not be less than a hundred in the 
minute. The whole frame was convulsed; there did not appear 
to be a muscle in the body which was not violently quivering. A 
little dung had been passed, and it was coated with mucus. The 
ears and extremities were warm — the mouth hot and harsh — the 
