For administering anæsthetics the author recommended a clean folded towel as being more preferable than anything else, as it was just as efficient and decidedly better from a sanitary standpoint.
He recommended watching the pulse closely while administering chloroform, and the respirations when ether was administered, lest in the former the cardiac ganglia become affected and suddenly arrest the heart's action, or in the latter the nerve cells of the medulla from its toxic effects abruptly interfere with the breathing.
In closing the author said: “From the brief review of the anæsthetics most familiar to the profession from a practical standpoint we have arrived at the following conclusions:”
First—Of all general anæsthetics known pure sulphuric ether stands at the head for safety, efficiency and every day practical use.
Second—Hydrochlorate of cocaine stands at the head of all known local anæsthetics.
Third—Ethidene promises to rival ether and merits a more general and extended trial.
Fourth—No surgeon should give any anæsthetics without being prepared to resuscitate the patient on the shortest possible notice if necessary, among which preparations nitrite of amyl stands preëminent.
Fifth—No person should be entrusted with the administration of any anæsthetic who is not thoroughly familiar with its physiological action and practical administration.
Sixth—The indiscriminate use of anæsthetics should be strenuously guarded against, and especially the practice of leaving such dangerous compounds in the hands of the laity to be given ad libitum whenever they may deem it necessary.
Seventh—The judicious use of anæsthetics under all necessary circumstances should never be omitted, for when properly used by skilled hands they are a glorious haven of peace in the midst of a stormy sea.