Veterinary Medicines, Their Actions, Uses and Dose

by George Franklyn Korinek

CHLOROFORMUM—CHLOROFORM

A liquid consisting of 99 to 99.4 per cent, by weight, of absolute chloroform, and 0.6 to 1 per cent alcohol.

Derivation.—Alcohol and water are heated in a still to 37.70° C. (100° F.), when chlorinated lime is added and chloroform is evolved.

Properties.—Chloroform is a heavy, clear, colorless, mobile and diffusible liquid, of a characteristic ethereal odor, and a burning sweet taste. Specific gravity not below 1.476 at 25° C. (77° F.). Soluble in 200 times its volume of cold water, and in all proportions in alcohol, ether, benzol, benzine and the fixed and volatile oils. Chloroform is not inflammable. Chloroform should be kept in dark amber colored well stoppered bottles in a cool and dark place.

Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep and pigs, 20 to 40 m.; dogs, 2 to 8 m. Should be well diluted with glycerine, syrup, eggs or diluted alcohol; the above dose can be repeated every two or three hours.