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252 DENTAL MEDICINE.
generally considered to be a safer anaesthetic agent than
chloroform, as but comparatively few deaths have resulted from
its inhalation; but it is not absolutely free from all dangerous
effects, and when death has ensued from its inhalation either
serious kidney or heart affections have been present. The dis-
covery of its anaesthetic properties was first made in 1844, by
Dr. Horace Wells, a practicing dentist, of Hartford, Conn. ; and
Dr. Morton, of Boston, also a dentist, first demonstrated the
application of its anaesthetic properties in dentistry and surgery,
in 1846.
As the physiological actions of both ether and chloroform are
similar, they may be considered as follows When the vapor of
:
ether or chloroform is inhaled, the first effect is faucial irritation,
to a greater or less degree, according to the strength of the
agent employed, a feeling of suffocation, with cough, a flow of
mucus and the reflex act of swallowing. The desire for air
may cause more or less struggling, especially in the case of
children. The sensibility of the glottis, however, is soon
relieved, the cough ceases, and the inhalation of the agent
proceeds without further resistance.
The primary effect is a general exhilaration; and, in the case
of ether especially, it is often one of excitement, which, in the
majority of cases, may continue for a short time only, while in
other cases, it may, from its duration and violence, give rise to
considerable trouble. But, if the inhalation can be continued
and this stage of excitement passed over, insensibility soon
occurs. The pulse increases in frequency, the respirations
become more rapid, and may assume a convulsive character.
There is flushing of the face, cerebral intoxication, to a greater
or less degree, according to the temperament, such as talking,
laughing, singing, crying, etc. In those of a mercurial or
hysterical disposition this stage of excitement is more pronounced
and persistent, and during its continuance sensibility to pain is
considerably diminished, although the sense of touch is still
preserved, while those of taste and smell are lost, and complete
insensibility soon follows.
When the patient is of a full habit, and in robust health, and