PREPARATION AND EMPLOYMENT OF HYDR IODIC ETHER. 
157 
satisfaction announces that the hydriodic ether acts at first con- 
formably with the sedative properties of the other ethers employ- 
ed in medicine. The respiratory motions are carried on with a 
readiness and fulness, advantageous to the circulation ; but 
the anti-spasmodic action of the ethereal vapor which favors 
the absorption of the remedy, is soon followed by the influ- 
ence of the absorbed iodine. TJie increase of vigor ceasing 
to be limited to the thoracic muscles, extends to the muscular 
system. The appetite is developed, the secretions are increased, 
the genital feelings become more sensitive, the pulse acquires 
fulness, and the vivacity of the feelings, and the activity 
of the intellect, proves that the impulse given to the other or- 
gans extends to the brain also. Such are the effects that four 
daily inhalations of ten minutes each have produced on us. As 
to accident, we have never experienced any thing but a little 
coryza, and frequently when the vapor has been too concentra- 
ted, a slight feeling of pressure in the temples.'' 
M. Huette thinks there will, in many cases, be an advantage 
in substituting the inhalation of hydriodic ether, for the other 
preparations of iodine, observing that inhalation permits the frac- 
tioning of the doses to any extent, and causes the absorption of the 
medicine by more extended surfaces, more generally accessible in 
all their parts, and better calculated for the absorption of the smal- 
lest medicinal atoms, than are the digestive organs. 
M. Cap in the Journal de Pharmacie for November, 1850, 
gives a note relative to the preparation of hydriodic ether. 
Hydriodic ether was discovered about twenty-five years since by 
M. Gay-Lussac. It is formed from a mixture of one part of hydrio- 
dic acid and two parts of alcohol. 
To prepare it, mix four parts of iodine with ten parts of alcohol 
38°. Add little by little one part of phosphorus, and submit the 
whole to distillation. When the large part of the alcohol has 
distilled over, add three parts more, and distil to dryness. The 
product of the distillation is mixed with water to separate the al- 
cohol from the ether, which last is then rectified from chloride of 
calcium. 
Hydriodic ether has no acid reaction. Its odor is ethereal, its 
taste pungent, but less sharp than that of sulphuric ether. Its densi- 
ty is 1,9206 at 72° Fahr. ; it boils at 110° Fahr. and it is not in- 
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