ETHER
Ether, when taken in its liquid form, produces symptoms and post-mortem appearances not unlike those caused by alcohol.
Fatal Dose.—No death having been recorded, the fatal dose of this substance is unknown.
Ether Vapour.—The vapour of ether has caused death. Entering the blood through the lungs, it acts with great rapidity, a state of lethargy being quickly induced.
The early symptoms are noticed in a modification of respiration, the breathing becoming slow, prolonged, and stertorous. The face is pale, the lips bluish, and the surface of the body cold and exsanguine. The pulse, at first quickened, becomes slower, as the inhalation of the vapour is continued. The pupils are dilated, and the eyes glassy and fixed. The voluntary muscles of the body become flabby and relaxed, the patient still, however, having the power to move the limbs. The involuntary muscles are not affected; as an instance, the uterus contracts and expels its contents with ease. If the inhalation of the vapour be pushed too far, the pulse sinks, and coma ensues, from which the patient can only with difficulty be aroused; but if in an early stage the ether be discontinued, the patient quickly regains consciousness, due to the rapid elimination of the ether by the lungs. A marked peculiarity in this form of poisoning is the complete anæsthesia or paralysis of the nerves of sensation.
Post-mortem Appearances.—These are chiefly found in the brain and lungs, which in most cases are greatly congested. The cavities of the heart have been found full of dark-coloured liquid blood. A marked effect noticed in poisoning by ether is the congestion of the vessels of the upper portion of the spinal cord. The liver, kidneys, and spleen are sometimes congested.
Chemical Analysis.—The contents of the stomach and tissues must be treated and distilled, as described under alcohol.
Tests:
1. The vapour passed into a solution of bichromate of potash, and sulphuric acid added, gives the reactions of alcohol.
2. The vapour burns with a smoky flame, depositing carbon on any cool surface placed above the flame.
3. It is but sparingly soluble in water, on which liquid it floats.
Treatment.—When the pulse becomes weak, and the breathing laboured and stertorous, the inhalation should be discontinued, and cold water dashed in the face—free ventilation being also allowed. Galvanism and artificial respiration should also be tried.