It is this preparation which is used for the production of
general anaesthesia. It has a specific gravity of 0.722 to 0.720, and its
vapour is very inflammable.
_Symptoms._--When taken as a liquid, same as alcohol. When inhaled as
vapour, causes slow, prolonged, and stertorous breathing; face becomes
pale, lips bluish, surface of body cold. Pulse first quickens, then
slows. Pupils dilated, eyes glassy and fixed, muscles become flabby and
relaxed, profound anaesthesia. Then pulse sinks and coma ensues,
sensation being entirely suspended. Nausea and vomiting not uncommon.
_Post-Mortem Appearances._--Brain and lungs congested. Cavities of heart
full of dark, liquid blood. Vessels at upper part of spinal cord
congested.
_Treatment._--Exposure to pure air, cold affusion, artificial
respiration, galvanism.
_Method of Extraction from the Contents of the Stomach._--Same as for
alcohol. During distillation pass some of the vapour into concentrated
solution of bichromate of potash, nitric and sulphuric acids, and note
reaction as for alcohol.
_Tests._--Vapour burns with smoky flame, depositing carbon. Sparingly
soluble in water. With bichromate of potash and sulphuric acid same as
alcohol.
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