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390 DENTAL MEDICINE.
heart to a less degree than chloroform, with, however, consider-
able depression of the pulse.
It has been somewhat employed in England, where it is re-
garded as being safer than chloroform for inhalation, and requir-
ing less quantity to produce anaesthesia than ether.
Methods of Administration.— It is recommended to administer
nitrous oxide until the patient is nearly unconscious, and then to
add the vapor of ethidene. The effects of this agent are de-
scribed as follows : The pupils dilate, and at the same time
stertorous breathing commences; the pulse falls, and should be
carefully watched, and insensibility to pain continues for some
time after the patient becomes conscious. It is also claimed for
this agent that there are no unpleasant after-effects, the patient
recovering as if from a natural sleep, with a clear mind and a
distinct utterance. It is also recommended to combine the vapor
of ethidene with that of nitrous oxide, by loosely inserting a
sponge containing half an ounce of ethidene in the nitrous oxide
gas-inhaling tube, or in the rubber supply-bag, when the effect is
said to be more profound and agreeable than when nitrous oxide
alone is administered, with no nausea and but little lividity of the
lips. It is also said to produce relaxation of the muscles rather
than rigidity, differing in this respect from nitrous oxide gas.
Dichloride of ethidene is also employed as a local anaesthetic,
in the same manner as chloroform, aconite, etc., for the relief of
facial neuralgia, etc.
It has not been introduced to any extent into this country.
ETHYL CHLORIDUM—(MONO-CHLOR-ETHANE).
CHLORIDE OF ETHYL.
Formula.— Q^ fix.
Derivation.—Ethyl chloride is best prepared by saturating an
artificially cooled alcoholic solution of zinc chloride with hydro-
it may also be obtained as a by-product in the
chloric acid gas ;
manufacture of chloral. It belongs to the ether class, and at
ordinary temperature is a gas ; but it is easily compressed, and
then forms a colorless liquid possessing an agreeable, but not
very strong ethereal odor, boiling between 50° and 53.6° F., and