The rapidity with which ethyl chloride has established its claims as a general anæsthetic for short operations appears justified by the advantages which its employment offers. It induces anæsthesia pleasantly and very rapidly, and compares favourably with nitrous oxide in these respects. The rapidity with which anæsthesia is induced, and the comparatively prompt recovery upon cessation of the administration, combined with the relatively small degree of vomiting or nausea, are its great advantages over ether and chloroform. The greater duration of anæsthesia following upon cessation of administration together with its portability are its advantages over nitrous oxide. Its position, therefore, in the armamentaium of the anæsthetist is that of filling the important gap between the light and brief anæsthesia of nitrous oxide and the deep narcosis of chloroform or ether. This position is held, however, not without disabilities. In the first place muscular relaxation is not often completely attained until a deep degree of narcosis is reached and, more important by far, it is not as safe as nitrous oxide. The death rate is much greater than that of nitrous oxide and according to McCardie (1), is as high as 1 in 3000.
The pharmacology of ethyl chloride
