A liquid composed of about 96 per cent, by weight, of absolute ether or ethyl oxide, and about 4 per cent of alcohol containing a little water.

Derivation.—Prepared by distillation of alcohol with sulphuric acid. There are two steps in the production of ether; sulphorvinic acid and water are formed in the first step. Sulphorvinic acid is then further acted upon by alcohol. The distillate is freed from water by agitation with calcium oxide and chloride and subjected to redistillation.

Properties.—A transparent, colorless, mobile liquid, having a characteristic odor and a burning and sweetish taste. Ether is highly volatile and inflammable; its vapor, when mixed with air and ignited, explodes violently. Miscible in all proportions with alcohol, chloroform, benzine, benzol, fixed and volatile oils. Ether is a solvent for fats, oils, alkaloids, resins, gutta percha and guncotton. Upon evaporation ether should have no residue. Ether vapor is heavier than air and consequently etherization should never be done above a light or fire.

Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 2 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 2 to 4 drs.; dogs, 10 ms. to 1 dr.

As an anaesthetic, horses and cattle require from 4 to 16 ozs. Smaller animals from 4 drs. to 4 ozs. Chloroform is usually prescribed for large animals and ether for smaller animals. Ether never paralyzes a healthy heart, while chloroform sometimes does. For anaesthetic purposes see anesthesia.

PREPARATIONS

SPIRITUS AETHERIS—SPIRIT OF ETHER

Composed of ether, 325 parts, alcohol to make 1000.

Dose.—Same as ether.

SPIRITUS AETHERIS COMPOSITUS—COMPOUND SPIRIT OF ETHER—HOFFMAN’S ANODYNE

Composed of ether, 325 parts; alcohol, 650 parts; ethereal oil, 25 parts.

Dose.—Same as for ether.

Actions.—Ether is anodyne, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic; a cardiac, respiratory and cerebral stimulant, an anesthetic and a narcotic poison; one of the best and quickest acting, diffusible, general stimulants, acting on the heart reflexly from the stomach. It is a powerful secretory stimulant, acting especially on the secretions of the stomach, salivary glands and pancreas. On the cerebrum and the motor and sensory nerves, its actions are similar to that of alcohol, but more prompt and less protracted; it is eliminated quickly, chiefly by the lungs.

When inhaled, it first causes irritation of the fauces, a sense of strangulation and cough, then a stage of excitement in which the visible mucous membranes are flushed and the respiration and pulse quickened; a convulsive stage generally follows, with rigid muscles and respiration stertorous; this subsides and complete insensibility is established, the muscles being relaxed and the reflexes abolished; in fact all of the functions of the body are suspended, except respiration and circulation.

If the inhalation be continued these too become paralyzed, death usually resulting from slow paralysis of respiration (chloroform paralyzes quickly); the heart pulsating long after breathing has ceased. Atropine hypodermically is the best antagonist to the toxic effects of ether, also artificial respiration and injections of brandy.

Uses of Ether.—When mixed with alcohol, as the spirit, ether mixes readily with water. It is excellent in indigestion with flatulence; it checks gastric fermentation, expels the gas and overcomes irregular and violent gastro-intestinal movements; hence, is also very good in spasmodic colic. In spasmodic colic, best to combine with cannabis indica or belladonna. When used as a vermifuge it should be followed by a purge. Used diluted one to ten to dislodge worms in the rectum. A most reliable remedy for collapse. Ether and alcohol are indicated in parturient paresis, ether with aqua ammonia may be used intravenously when the cow is unable to swallow. Sulphuric ether and alcohol or whisky are also good in parturient eclampsia of bitches, though aromatic spirit of ammonia is better; for chills, spirit of nitrous ether; also useful in convalescence from debilitating disease. Ether is a very good remedy in Thumps. Ether may be used for local anesthesia, applied as a spray, from an atomizer, about one ounce, usually being enough for the painless opening of abscesses or fistulae, but cocaine is better in our patients. As an anesthetic it should be used in preference to chloroform, for the smaller and young animals, especially dogs, which are easily killed by chloroform. Ether is less prompt in action but much safer than chloroform, as it never paralyzes a healthy heart; it should be inhaled in as concentrated a form as possible, very little air being allowed, so it will exert its effects quickly, in the dog; a light or fire of any kind should not be allowed near, as ether is very inflammable and its vapor explosive. Always have a bottle of aqua ammonia fort. at hand as a restorer.