CHLOROFORM A SUBSTITUTE FOR SULPHURIC ETHER. 53 
which ether would never have been had recourse to. Here 
then we have a substance which, in the first instance, was 
merely interesting as a matter of scientific curiosity and re- 
search, becoming rapidly an object of intense importance, 
as an agent by which human suffering and agony may be 
annulled and abolished, under some of the most trying cir- 
cumstances in which human nature is ever placed." 
[In confirmation of the remark that the elementary con- 
stitution of the three known anaesthetic agents affords no 
explanation of the theory of their action, we may mention 
another circumstance, namely, that while it is currently 
stated, and we believe on good grounds, that the presence 
of a very small proportion of alcohol in sulphuric ether 
occasions so much irritation as to render it improper for in- 
halation, the chloric ether which consists of chloroform, 
with above 80 per cent, of alcohol, produces little or no 
irritation, and was originally preferred to sulphuric ether 
partly on this account. 
As it is likely that chloroform will be extensively used, it 
is particularly desirable that uniformity in its constitution 
should be observed. Time and exparience will probably 
bring it to a moderate cost, and insure to the public the ad- 
vantage of a uniform preparation. We have received a 
communication from Mr. Morson, and another from Mr. 
Hooper, each of which contains a caution on this subject, 
pointing out the importance of distinguishing between chlo- 
roform and chloric ether. The great specific gravity of 
chloroform, and its insolubility in water, are mentioned as 
characteristic tests, to which we may add, that it is a body 
very difficult of ignition, which will readily distinguish it 
from chloric ether. — Ed, Pharm. Journ.'] 
In a paper on the chlorides of hydro carbon, published in 1833, 
in the 4th vol. of this Journal, its author, Daniel B. Smith, uses the fol- 
lowing significant language : 'The action of this ether [chloroforml 
on the living system is interesting, and may hereafter render it an ob- 
5* 
